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ftpsdenl' of the Con 



PERSONAL NARRATIVE 



A TOUR THROUGH A PART OF THE UNITED 
vSTATES AND CANADA : 



NOTICES OF THE mSTORY AND INSTITUTIONS OF 
METHODISM IN AMERICA. 



BY JAMES DIXON, D. D. 

SECOND EDITION. 

PUBLISHED BY LANE & SCOTT, 

200 Mulberry-street. 

JOSEPH LONGKING, PRINTEK. 

1849. 



l^JU 



V 






ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 



It has not been thought necessary, in reprinting 
this work, to retain all of Dr. Dixon's quotations from 
American authorities, in his sketch of the History and 
Institutions of American Methodism. These can be 
found much more fully set forth in works easily 
accessible in this country. Part V. of Dr. Dixon's 
work, relating to the " Measures adopted by the Me- 
thodist Episcopal Church on the Subject of Slavery," 
has been entirely omitted. It consists almost wholly 
of American documents. 

A few errors, in the use of names, dates, &c., have 
been silently corrected. Others, of less importance, 
have been suffered to remain. As a whole, it is only 
remarkable that Dr. Dixon should, in so short a time, 
have acquired so just and accurate a knowledge of 
the topography and geography of the country, as well 
as of the character and habits of our people. The 
work is singularly able and philosophical in its 
views, both of the poUtical and religious institutions 

of America. 

J. M'Clintock. 

June 25, 1849. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



This volume has been prepared for publication under 
the influence of one only sentiment ; namely, a desire to 
make the Methodist body in England acquainted with the 
state and progress of their system of religion in the United 
States. 

The author is not conscious to himself of any peculiar 
bias in his opinions ; his aim being simply to state facts as 
they presented themselves to his attention, and leave his 
readers to draw their own inferences. 

Not being a political agent, he has not felt himself called 
upon to enter — except incidentally — into questions of civil 
government. His general impression is, however, that the 
Americans possess a larger amount of social prosperity than 
any other people upon earth. 

But the vexed question of republicanism lies beyond his 
purpose ; and he begs to inform his reader beforehand, that 
whatever he may meet with is not to be construed into an 
expression of opinion for or against this or any other form 
of government, but simply as historical. 

One thing, however, bearing on this subject, may not be 
deemed out of place : it is, that the author's impressions of 
the true greatness of his own countiy were never so strong 
as during his visit to the States. America is the ojQfspring 
of England. England has been reproduced in America. 
The character of the parent is seen in the athletic growth 
of the son. The blood, the religion, the ideas, the opinions, 
and, in substance^ the institutions, of England exist in the 
United States. On this soil the Anglo-Saxon race is assert- 
ing its supremacy on a gigantic scale, and with a rare 



6 ADVERTISEMENT. 

energy and vigour. It is a singular phenomenon, which 
every visitor must perceive at once, that his own country's 
type of humanity is predominant. People from all nations 
in Europe are seen in large numbers on the western conti- 
nent; but they all become Anglicised. Just as the "father 
of waters," the Mississippi, receives the innumerable tribu- 
tary streams which flow in every direction to swell and 
deepen its flood, and then in turn are blended with and 
become one with the parent current ; so, in like manner, 
all the races which flock to America feel the force, do 
homage to the superiority, and fall into the current, of 
Anglo-Saxon life. In two or three generations nothing of 
the German, the Dutchman, the Frenchman, the Celt re- 
mains, but his name. He has lost his foreign distinctness, 
much of his physiognomy, and all the peculiar character- 
istics of his origin ; so that the true identity existing 
between England and America is an identity of race. 
Other things are but the external adornings of the same 
soul and body, the same mental and material organization. 
England's sons, language, sentiments, freedom, enterprise, 
courage, religion — all live in America ; and are uniting to 
form the greatest empire of race on which the sun ever 
shone. England consequently reappears on American 
ground; and it is impossible historically to separate the 
destinies of the same people ; the annals of the Anglo-Saxon 
race must ever include the American branch. 

The survey now presented to the pubhc can lay claim 
to nothing more than an outline. It would require much 
more leisure and information than are in the possession of 
the author, to give a full, a complete, narrative of — as he 
conscientiously believes — the most gigantic and extraordi- 
nary development of religious truth which has taken place 
in modern times. 

The work, even in its present state, appears under some 
disadvantage, from the fact that, when in the States, the 
author had not the most remote idea of writing a book; 



ADVERTISEMENT. 7 

his notes were consequently not taken with any view to 
such a purpose. From this circumstance his materiel was 
necessarily scanty; but the scenes through which he passed, 
and the facts and incidents which came before his atten- 
tion, were very vividly impressed upon his memory. He has 
had consequently to draw largely on this resource. With 
what success, those on the spot alone can judge ; but he is 
persuaded that, though many things may not be so full 
and circumstantial as if he had entertained the intention of 
publication, yet he is certain that no fact is falsified ; and 
no scenery, whether of nature, society, or religion, has 
received an untrue colouring. 

In addition to the desire, as before stated, to give infor- 
mation respecting the state of the Methodist Church, as 
the predominating motive, the author feels himself under 
an imperative obligation, as a mere matter of justice, to 
communicate his impressions respecting his reception by 
the American body. If they received the messenger of the 
British Conference with affectionate respect as such, is it 
not fitting that their good-will, their fraternal regard, their 
unabated affection towards the parent body, their continued 
unity and oneness with us in spirit and faith, should be 
made known ? And, moreover, as it has pleased God to 
bless, to prosper, to enlarge, and to render triumphant that 
Church which, in its ecclesiastical form, was planted by 
John Wesley, and nurtured by some of his most distin- 
guished sons in the gospel ; does it not seem proper that 
such an occasion as a visit to this Church should, in some 
way, be connected with a report of its actual state ? With 
these impressions, though with great reluctance, the author 
is impelled to publish this volume, not doubting but that 
the hearty good- will of the American Methodist Church 
will be as heartily reciprocated by the Methodist body in 
this country. 

Birmingham, March 2Qth, 1841. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 
PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Voyage — Company on Board — Sunday — Reflections — Atlantic — Agiianoa 
— Steam-Power— Miracles — Banks of Newfo\indland — A Snow-storm — Hali- 
fax — Nova-Scotia — Passengers— Morality Page 13 

CHAPTER n. 

Boston — The Sabbath— Changes of Doctrine — Methodist Preachers' Meeting 
at the Book-Depot — Bunker's Hill — The Common — The State-House — 
Churches — The City— Daniel Webster— Set out for New-York— Railroad 
Cars — The Country — New-Haven — The Sound — Scene on board the Steamer 
— New-York Harbour 22 

CHAPTER III. 

New-York — Harpers' Printing and Publishing Establishment — The Methodist 
Book-Conrern — The Exchange and Custom-House — Excitement respecting 
an anticipated Revolution in England — Charitable Institutions — The City — 
Leave for Baltimore — David Creamer, Esq. — The Journey — New-Jersey — 
Newark — Princeton — Trenton — The Delaware — Philadelpliia — The Chesa- 
peake Bay 36 

CHAPTER IV. 

Baltimore and Washington— The City and Capitol — The Senate— General Cass 
—Captain Fremont— Mr. Calhoun, &c. — The House of Representatives- 
Debate — Visit to the President — To the Vice-President — The National Insti- 
tution — Baltimore — The Sabbath — The aristocratic air of the place — Leave 
for Cumberland — Slavery — Harper's Ferry — Cumberland — The Alleghany 
Mountains — A Mirage on the Mountain — Brownville — The Monongahela — 
Scenery of the banks 52 

CHAPTER V. 

Pittsburgh — Lodge at the St. Charles— The Conference— The Bishops— The 
Preachers — Bishop Soule — The Southern Ministers — Public Services — The 
Company at the St. Charles — The Town — Manufactures — The African 
Church — Preach to the Blacks — Curious Scene — Leave Pittsburgh— Take 
leave of Bishop Soule — His Character — The Ohio — Wheeling — Bishop Camp- 
bell — Mesmerism 84 



CONTENTS. 9 



CHAPTER VI. 

Cincinnati — Mr. Smith— Auburn— A Storm in the Country— Bishop M'Uvaine's 
Country Residence — A Fire — The Sabbath — The City — Start for Sandusky — 
The Forest — Difficulties of clearing Land — The Railroad through the Forest 
— A Stage Journey — Arrival at Urbana— Arrival at Sandusky Page 101 

CHAPTER Vn. 

The Lakes— Erie — Pass down— Buffalo — Niagara River— Scenery on its Banks 
—The Falls of Niagara— Canada— The People— Visit the Battle-Field of Lim- 
dy's Lane — The Suspension-Bridge — St. Catharine's— Hamilton 109 

CHAPTER Vin. 

Ontario— Toronto— Dr. Ryerson— Sir F. B. Head— Bishop Strachan— The City 
— Departure for Kingston — Mr. Robinson— Mr. Bolton— Coburg College — 
Kingston — Pass up the Bay of Quinti — Belleville — The Canada Conference 
— The Union — Return to Kingston 129 

CHAPTER IX. 

The St. Lavrrence— The Thousand Islands— The Rapids— Montreal— The City 
—The Cathedral— The Methodist Chapel— Storm— The Earl of Elgin— The 
Romanists — Passage to Quebec — The City — The Plains of Abraham — General 
Wolfe— Fortifications — A Rural Repast— Falls of Montmorenci — The French 
Habitans — Reflections on Canada 138 

CHAPTER X. 

Return — Pass the St. Lawrence— Lake Champlain — Plattsburgh — Whitehall — 
Journey by Stage— Troy— Albany — The Hudson — Arrival at New-York— 111 
— Doubtful respecting being able to return Home — Resolved to do so — De- 
part for Boston — Embark on board the "America" — Passage — Arrival at 
Home 159 

CHAPTER XL 

Reflections on America — Unfairly dealt with by Travellers — A religious people 
— This necessary to explain their state — The real Americans not hostile to 
England — Their peaceful and prosperous condition — Education, the prin- 
ples on which it is conducted — The force of Christianity in its simply divine 
authority — The American's trust in this— Public Worship and the Duties 
of Religion— Slavery partly removed by the influence of Christian prin- 
ciple 166 



10 CONTENTS. 

PART II. 
HISTORICAL NOTICES OF METHODISM IN AMERICA. 

CHAPTER I. 

introductory remarks— Mr. Wesley's great talent for government— The conti 
dence reposed in him — His disinterested encouragement to all who were ca- 
pable of rendering service to religion — Became the bond of union to the first 
Methodists in America Page 198 

CHAPTER II. 

The Introduction of Methodism into New- York — Philip Embury — Begins to 
preach — Captain Webb — The first Society — Preaching-Houses — Robert 
Strawbridge commences preaching in Maryland — Freeborn Garrettson — 
Captain Webb's labours in Long Island and Philadelphia — Attempts to get 
Mr. Benson appointed to America — Reflections on these Agents — The Class- 
Meeting 205 

CHAPTER III. 

Application to Mr. Wesley for Missionaries — Messrs. Boardman and Pilmoor 
appointed— Account of the State of Things— Messrs. Asbury and Wright — 
Account of the former — The Spirit of the Clergy — Mr. Jarratt — Thomas 
Rankin and George Shadford arrive — First Conference 218 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Revolutionary Period — Messrs. Rankin, Shadford, and Rodda depart for 
England — Adventures of Shadford — Asbury determines to remain— His Exer- 
cises of Mind — Finds Refuge in the House of Judge White — Persecutions of 
Messrs. Hartley and Garrettson — Mr. Jarratt — Reflections on the Revolu- 
tion — John Calvin's Dogma— Originates the Revolution — Its Success . . 228 

CHAPTER V. 

Measures preparatory to the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church- 
Application of the People to Mr. Wesley— His Advice— Dr. Bangs's Account 
— The Church formed — Success 242 

CHAPTER VI. 

The new Order of Things— Mr. Asbury becomes the real Bishop of the Church 
—His Character and Qualifications for the Office- Dr. Coke exceeds his 
Powers— Certificate— The Episcopacy defined and guarded— Mr. Wesley's 
Oflfence at the Use of the Term " Bishop"— Letter to Asbury— Dr. Coke in 
Difficulties respecting the Address to Washington— And on Slavery— The 
Church takes its Standing among the Institutions of the United States . . 254 



CONTENTS. 11 

f' l^ART III. 

THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 

CHURCH. 

CHAPTER I. 

The doctrinal Basis of the Church— The Articles of Religion— This places the 
Church on a system of dogmatical Truth— The Difference between this and 
the English system Page 265 

CHAPTER II. 

The Federal Nature of the Church— The Idea of Unity— How secured— Doctri- 
nal — Visible governing Power — Episcopacy 269 

CHAPTER III. 

The Methodist Church in its Subdivisions— The Circuit and Station— The Sta- 
tion an innovation— The Quarterly-Meeting Conference— Its Powers . . . 274 

CHAPTER IV. 

Subdivisions continued— The District — How constituted— The presiding Elder 
— Rules and Laws— The several Orders of Ministers 278 

CHAPTER V. 

Subdivisions continued — The Episcopacy- Bishops, how appointed — Laws and 
Regulations — Reflections — The Division of Labour amongst the Bishops — 
Names of those wlio have received this Ofllce — Purity of Election — Popu- 
larity 281 

CHAPTER VI. 

Subdivisions continued — The Annual Conference— How constituted — Its Func- 
tions — Elects Delegates to the General Conference 288 

CHAPTER VII. 

Subdivisions continued — The General Conference — Dr. Bangs's Account of its 
formation— Its Fundamental Powers— Principles— Reflections 289 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Subdivisions continued — The Author's presence at the Pittsburgh General 
Conference — Impressions— The Bishops— The Ministers— Mode of Debate — 
Decorum and Order— Questions at Issue— Mode of conducting Appeal Cases 
—Reflections 295 



12 CONTENTS. 



PART IV. 

TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE AMERICAN METHODIS'. 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

I. — THE ATLANTIC CONFERENCES. 

Page 

Maine 31' 

New-Hampshire 31! 

New-England 31: 

Providence 31( 

New- York 3H 

New- Jersey 32< 

Philadelphia 32! 

Baltimore 32'/ 

Virginia 33S 

North Carolina 33^; 

South Carolina 33£ 

Georgia 337 

Florida 343 

II. THE HUDSON AND LAKE LINE. 

Troy 357 

Vermont 357 

Black River 358 

Oneida 36o 

Genesee 363 

Erie 365 

North Ohio 366 

Michigan 367 

North Indiana 367 

Rock River 369 

III. — THE OHIO LINE. 

Pittsburgh 380 

Ohio 381 

Louisville 388 

Kentucky 388 

Holston 389 

Indiana 392 

Tennessee 393 

IV. — THE MISSISSIPPI LINE. 

Iowa 406 

Illinois 406 

Missouri 407 

St. Louis 407 

Arkansas ; 408 

Memphis 409 

Mississippi 409 

Louisiana 410 

Alabama 411 

Texas 412 

East Texas 412 

Oregon 412 

Indian Missions 413 



TOUR IN AMEllICA. 



PART I . 

PERSONAL NARRATIVE 



CHAPTER I. 

The Voyage— Company on Board— Sunday — Reflectiona- Atlantic— Agitation 
— Steam-Power — Miracles— Banks of Newfoundland — A Snow-storm— Hali- 
fax — Nova-Scotia — Passengers— Morality. 

We went on board the ''Acadia," Captain Stone, at Liver- 
pool, bound for Boston, on Saturday, April 8tli, 1848 ; a 
beautiful vessel, well fitted up with a fine and spacious 
saloon above deck. I found my friend, Mr. Kaye, had 
engaged for me one of the best berths, which I went at 
once to possess. I had not been there long, before a 
Quebec gentleman entered to share it with me, — a good- 
looking, open-faced man ; and, as I supposed I must 
necessarily have a cabin-mate, I thought myself well suited 
in my companion. This, however, was evidently not the 
impression of my friend. Whether he was alarmed at the 
sight of a parsonic name on my trunks, or uncomfortable 
on other grounds, I know not; but he instantly became 
fidgety, exhorted me to go to the purser, and get a berth 
to myself; saying, that I should have more influence than 
himself. I concluded this was perfectly unnecessary on my 
part, feehng quite sure he would accomplish the change 
for himself, if I left him alone. In a few minutes he came 
for his luggage, having obtained a berth " forward ;" and, 
on seeing the purser, he told me they had agreed to leave 



14 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

me " alone in my glory." This, to me, was joyful news, 
and seemed a good beginning. 

It is customary for passengers to choose their seats at 
the table, and they who are first on board have the best 
chance. Being in good time, I had the opportunity of 
selecting my own place. My friend, Mr. Willey, Avho w^ent on 
board with me, and knew much more of such matters than 
myself, fixed upon a corner-seat, saying it would be out of 
draughts. For my part, I did not much like it, inasmuch 
as I thought it would place me at the lower end of the 
table. I had no objection to a midway place, but felt 
unwilhng to be at the very bottom, and out of the way of 
everybody. However, for the reason above mentioned, T 
submitted, rather reluctantly, to my fate. This seat, how- 
ever, turned out to be on the right hand of the chair of the 
second table. The company one falls in with on board 
ship, is very important. The manners, temper, conversa- 
tion, disposition to accommodate, are vital points in such 
contiguity ; and, in the many squalls which must take 
place in a voyage at sea, it is possible for people, closely 
packed, to make themselves and others very unhappy, if 
so disposed. 

When dinner %vas announced, I took my place in my 
new locality, somewhat curious as to what the issue would 
be. The chair was taken by an elderly officer of the royal 
navy, dressed in his uniform and the insignia of his rank. 
We looked upon him with interest. He proved to be, as 
is generally the case with men in his situation, a complete 
gentleman, courteous, urbane, and communicative. A 
more beautifully placid and benevolent countenance cannot 
be imagined. He had been in the service forty years ; had 
travelled in most parts of the world ; had passed through 
man)'^ interesting scenes ; and willingly communicated his 
stores of anecdote and information. On my right hand sat 
an elderly person, a perfect pattern of an English country 
gentleman of the old school. It turned out that his home 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 15 

was Baltimore ; and, if he might be taken as a sample of 
the citizens of that place, they are certainly a fine race of 
people. Before our meeting, I had seen a gentleman on 
deck, whose face and bearing arrested my attention. I 
said to myself, " There is something in you." I did not 
much like him, however, at first sight, because he seemed 
to resemble a famous statesman of our country, once very 
popular, now very low. This gentleman sat exactly oppo- 
site me. We looked rather askance at each other. He 
opened out very slowly, but did so by degrees ; and I 
suppose it was the same with myself. This gentleman I 
found to be one of the most intelligent and well-informed 
men I ever met. I afterwards understood he was an 
American of the old Bostonian school ; that he lived near 
Plymouth, the landing-place of the " Pilgrim Fathers ;" 
had seen all America ; thoroughly understood the character 
of its institutions, civil and religious ; had travelled through 
Europe, and in some parts more than once ; was conversant 
with literary subjects ; knew all the leading politicians of 
his own country, and many in European nations ; and, like 
all such men, was extremely courteous, free from dog- 
matism, and, though a decided American, perfectly open 
to conversation respecting their institutions, and equally 
willing to admit the excellency of other countries, especially 
that of England. I found this gentleman a most interesting 
companion. Thus ensconced in the outset of the voyage, 
other things being favourable, we had the promise of an 
agreeable passage. 

On the following morning, Sunday, while at breakfast, 
an officer came with Captain Stone's compliments to desire 
me to conduct divine service. To this I cheerfully and 
thankfully assented. Going to the captain, I asked him 
if it would comport with their usages, and be agreeable, 
for me to preach. He consented, on the condition that 
the discourse was short ; stating, that it would be incon- 
venient for the men to be engaged for a long time. On 



16 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

going to the desk, I found the crew and passengers in 
their places, — the former neat, clean, and well-behaved, 
and the latter perfectly orderly, and some of them appa- 
rently devout. There sat beneath the desk as clerk a fine 
young officer, dressed in his official habiliments. He re- 
sponded most nobly, and like a person accustomed to the 
employment. When the service was concluded, this young- 
officer came to me, (he proved to be the surgeon of the 
ship,) and said, " Perhaps you may have some knowledge 
of the name of my grandfather. My name is Paley. I am 
the grandson of Archdeacon Paley." I assured him I was 
perfectly acquainted with the writings of his great and 
honoured relative, and, like everybody else, greatly esteemed 
them. This young gentleman bears a striking resemblance 
to the pictures of the archdeacon ; and appeared perfectly 
frank, open-hearted, and honourable. 

Sunday on board ship is a melancholy day ; at least so 
it proved to me. The thought of the assemblies of the 
saints ; the order and rehgion of the study, the closet, the 
family ; all now broken in upon, by the strife and agitation 
around : — this, together with great anxiety for those left 
behind, pressed painfully upon my mind. Wesley's H}Tnns 
were a great solace. Nothing is broad, deep, and elevated 
enough for the soul in her solitude, her sorrows, and her 
joys, but sacred poetry, connecting one with the Saviour, 
with the mysterious, with the eternal. The sea is calcu- 
lated to heighten this feeling ; for what is the ocean, but a 
mirror of God's infinity ? and what the roar of its mighty 
waters, but the voice, the poetr}^, the music, of that infinity ? 

On leaving Cape Clear, and entering the Atlantic, we 
were met by its surges as if in regal wrath ! The majestic 
ocean seemed perfectly infuriated by the invasion of his 
domain. I could compare this seeming anger to nothing 
but to that of a mighty animal taking up a diminutive one 
in his teeth, and furiously shaking him in his rage. Our 
noble vessel was no more iu the jaws of tlie Atkmtic thao 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 17 

a lap-dog in those of a lion. The wind blew right a-head, 
and met us in the teeth, dashing the waves and spray furi- 
ously against our bow. We had not to encounter a stonn, 
in the usual sense of the expression ; but our old sea-officer, 
of forty years' standing, declared he had never seen the 
sea so rough. We were, probably, encountering the effects 
of distant hurricanes. The agitation and swell were inde- 
scribable. The "fountains of the great deep" seemed as 
if *' broken up ;" and from beneath, as well as from every 
point of the compass, the Avaters presented the appearance 
of universal anarchy, confusion, and agitation. 

This state of things continued for four or five days, the 
efiects on the passengers being such as are usual in these 
cases. The ladies were entirely absent, cooped up in their 
cabin, or rolling in their berths, as the case might be ; no 
doubt amiably bearing with good temper such feelings as 
a bilious stomach is calculated to excite ; and, being fellows 
in misfortune, expending upon each other those delicate 
sympathies which companionship in misery always produces. 
The gentlemen were seen, some groaning in then* beds, 
some lying in mummy fashion, as if deprived of the cha- 
racteristics of animated, talking, and thinking beings ; and 
others, more resolute, or a little less miserable, than their 
fellows, were seen staggering about deck, eagerly hastening, 
every now and then, to the sides of the ship for a pm'pose 
not to be named. One wo-begone French Canadian fixed 
himself in a camp-chair near the chimney, to keep himself 
warm, and, with a rare heroism of the passive sort, continued 
to occupy his post nearly to the end of the voyage. By 
this means he preserved some sort of equilibrium, and held 
up in the midst of the general discomfiture. For myself, I 
was as good a sailor as any of them ; and much better than 
the majority. Resolution does great things in these mat- 
ters. If a voyageur wishes to have a feat of sea-sickness, 
as an adventure, to put into his book, he may easily obtain 
one ; the power of sympathy will soon do its work : and. 



18 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

in case he possess and indulge a certain fastidiousness in 
tlie sight of things not very dehcate, he may pay the 
penalty of his sensitiveness by becoming just as loathsome 
as any of those which excited the disgust of his olfactory 
or other nerves. For my own part, I entertained no am- 
bition or desire to describe the sensations peculiar to these 
sea-adventures in my own person, resolutely braved every 
temptation to yield, which were sometimes forcible enough, 
and nearly altogether escaped. 

But the effects of these agitations of the sea, in other 
respects, were very singular. I was obliged to stuff some 
solid material on both sides when in my berth ; in the one 
case, to keep me from rolling against the hard side of the 
ship ; and, in the other, to prevent the more serious 
catastrophe of tumbling out upon the floor. Some of the 
passengers had the precaution to employ the carpenter to 
fasten a board to prevent the last disaster ; but I contented 
myself in the use of trunks and other appliances, and by 
these means preserved my balance. 

But this motion was not by any means the only one. 
The giant ocean not only shook the ship, making every 
timber creak as if some of her bolts and screAvs must every 
moment give way, but a similar trial of the timbers of the 
human frame was equally produced by the conflicting agi- 
tation. This to me was a matter of curiosity and observa- 
tion. The motion seemed to pull, jerk, toss, twist one in 
every possible manner. Now the action would be rolling, 
then longitudinal, pulling ahead and then astern, back- 
wards and forwards, as if an irresistible power had re- 
solved to make sport with one. 

Dm'ing several days we made but slow progress. But 
that we made any progress at all, was a remarkable proof 
of the genius and the mechanical skill of man. Nothing 
gives so striking an illustration of the wonderful effects 
of steam-power, as progress made in such circumstances. 
The waves were constantly rolling against us ; driven by a 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 19 

mighty swell which, no doubt, was increased in strength by 
the accumulated impetus of storms, currents, tides, all 
flowing in the same direction, and meeting us in all their 
power. And yet we made way against this combination of 
adverse elements. We appeared in some sort to beat na- 
ture in a battle with her mightiest forces. How amazing 
this power ! There must be something providential and 
divine in this. God seems to have bestowed upon man 
the means of surmounting the difficulties of his position, 
and of overcoming even the ordinary current and course of 
his own laws, as they are developed in tides and winds. 
We decry miracles ; what is a steamboat crossing the 
Atlantic, in the midst of opposing powers, but a miracle ? 
Have we not here a force above nature ? What is this but 
a miracle, in the sense in which miracles are generally de- 
scribed ? Is not a miracle the mastery of natural elements 
by mind, whether immediately by God, or mediately by 
his commission to man ? Do we not in this, and in simi- 
lar things, perceive the God of providence intrusting to 
man a physical and a social power, perfectly distinct and 
isolated above tlio laws of nature, so far as this is con- 
cerned ? Do we not see the mighty machine, instinct with 
artificial life, — imparted, it is true, directly by the skill of 
man, but given to him by the teaching and providence of 
God, — majestically riding above the storm and the waves, 
in despite of all opposition ? If in this — may we call it 
humanized ? — miracle we behold nature beaten in some of 
her forces and forms of power, why may not miracles, on a 
higher scale, and for more sacred purposes, wrought by 
the immediate interposition of God, be true and real ? We 
are surrounded by mysteries and miracles, if we had eyes 
to see them ; and certainly one of the most remarkable 
which are made visible is, that man's skill and science 
should be able to achieve so great an exploit as to impel a 
ship of fifteen hundred tons across the ocean, in despite of 
the united forces of wind and waves. 



20 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Nothing more occurred in our outward voyage of any 
consequence, till we arrived on the banks of Newfoundland, 
when whales appeared, snorting and blowing above the 
surface of the mighty deep, and a remarkable snow-storm. 
The whales I was not permitted to see, being confined to 
my cabin ; but the snow-storm was such as I had never 
witnessed before. It continued for the space of fifteen 
hours ; during this time it descended incessantly, in quan- 
tities which, had they fallen on the land, must have covered 
the surface to a great depth. This storm gave us a notion 
of the miserable condition of Newfoundland and Nova-Sco- 
tia, from which direction it came. No iceberg, however, 
appeared, and we continued our course in the midst of the 
dismal scene around us. 

We made Halifax in the middle of the night, and many 
of the young and active spirits on board landed, and, by 
moonlight, perambulated the place, b< ing much delighted 
to set foot again on terra-firma. I was denied this plea- 
sure, being still confined to my berth, and not daring to 
stir to encounter the climate, which, a day or two before, 
had sent us the present of the snow-storm. On inquiring 
of a lady, who was about to land at Halifax, if she knew 
Mr. Bennett, our long-tried and excellent missionary there, 
she told me she was well acquainted with him, and Kved 
nearly opposite to his dwelling. One of my anticipated 
pleasures, on reaching Halifax, was to see and converse 
with this venerable and eminently useful man, and the 
other missionaries ; but, being deprived of this gratifica- 
tion, all I could do was to send my Christian salutations. 

The next day we steamed along the coast of Nova-Sco- 
tia, which was clearly in sight for many leagues. It had 
the appearance of sand-hills, and seemed most dreary and 
barren. No doubt a nearer approach would have given a 
difl:erent view ; and a sojourn in the country itself, I was 
told, would, in a short period, as the season advanced, 
have banished the illusion altogether. We lost sight of 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 21 

land again in crossing the Bay of Fundy ; but were cheered 
by the expectation of seeing the shores of the United 
States. This expectation of soon landing produces mighty 
changes in the appearance of everybody. Countenances 
which before had been bihous and gloomy, brightened 
up ; parties whose lips had been closed by taciturn pro- 
pensities were now opened, and their tongues unloosed ; 
those who had confined themselves very much in their 
cabins, spending the time as best they could, were seen 
stretching their necks on deck, to gain a first glimpse of 
land ; and many who seemed, up to this time, to take little 
interest in those about them, became very friendly. Be- 
fore parting, a sort of confraternity was established. 
Family interests and affections appeared to have grown 
up ; and a number of strangers, who never saw each other 
before, parted as if bidding adieu to near relatives. These 
were certainly my own feelings, and I have reason to be- 
lieve that they were shared by others ; and, moreover, the 
sight of one of these fellow-passengers now, or at any time, 
would gladden my heart in a manner very unusual with the 
casual knowledge of men met with on land. 

While mentioning passengers, justice requires me to re- 
cord the fact, that, through the whole of the voyage, not 
the least unpleasantness, in word or deed, arose in any 
quarter. The captain was a most courteous and kind- 
hearted man. But to myself favours were shown from 
other quarters. Perceiving that I was suffering great pain, 
several young gentlemen, some of whom I had reason to 
beheve were officers in the army going to Canada, mani- 
fested a degree of sympathy and attention not only very 
agreeable, but surprising, in young men full of life and 
spirits. But they had just left a home endeared to them, 
no doubt, by the attachments of parents, sisters, brothers ; 
and it seemed to be no constraint, either upon their nature 
or their education, to manifest sympathy and regard to a 
stranger in suffering. I saw, in some of these young gen- 



22 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

tlemen, signs of strong emotion Avlien conversation recalled 
their thoughts and feelings to their parents and homes. 
Let us do justice to man in all conditions of his existence. 
It is a pleasure to meet with exhibitions of filial piety any- 
where, but especially so in such circumstances. And, so 
far as my observation went, the morality of our little com- 
munity on board the " Acadia" was unsullied by any ex- 
ternal vice. 



CHAPTER II. 

Boston— The Sabbath— Changes of Doctrine — Methodist Preachers' Meeting 
at the Book Depot — Bunker Hill — The Common — The State-House— 
Churches— The City— Daniel Webster — Set out for New- York— Railroad 
Cars— The Country— New-Haven— The Sound— Scene on board the Steamer 
— New-York Harbour. 

On Sunday, April 23d, after a passage of fifteen days, we 
made Boston. To an inexperienced eye, the approach to 
the harbour is extremely intricate ; and several points are 
well fortified. One channel is so narrow, and the works 
so completely command the entance, that it seems impossi- 
ble for hostile ships to enter. The view of the city from 
the sea is exceedingly picturesque and beautiful. The 
greater part, standing on rising ground, presents to the ob- 
server the aspect of a place finely laid out, and adorned by 
numerous churches and public buildings. The water was 
sufficiently deep to allow us to place our noble vessel along- 
side the wharf, and step from the ship to the shore. We 
reached the landing-place about five o'clock in the after- 
noon, and were glad to set our feet again on sohd land. 
The business of opening our trunks for the inspection of the 
custom-house officers immediately commenced. Standing 
quietly on the outside of the crowd, I was warned by my 
good friend. Dr. Paley, that if I did not bestir myself, and 
do something to get the officers to inspect my portman- 
teaus, I should be the last of the batch, and should be 
driven far into the dark ; saying, at the same time, he 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 23 

would help me to open them, and speak to one of the offi- 
cers. Both these kind offices he performed ; and after the 
man had glanced at the contents, he went away, and Dr. 
Paley told me I must pay three shillings for the trouble 
of inspection. 

This business being finished, I wended my way to the 
Revere Hotel, recommended by Mr. Weston, the American 
gentleman before mentioned, and found most comfortable 
accommodation. Having been advised by the doctor to 
have my face examined by a dentist as soon as I got on 
shore, the preliminaries of eating and drinking being over, 
I sent for one of these gentlemen. He was at church, and 
could not be obtained for some time. It may be proper to 
mention that the blessed Sabbath appeared, in our passage 
up the city, to be strictly observed by the descendants of 
the pilgrim fathers. They have very much changed their 
creed from stem Calvinism to the liberal system of Chan- 
ning ; but seem to retain their church-going habits in the 
midst of the change. The streets were perfectly quiet, 
few persons were seen in motion, whilst every place of 
worship was filled with orderly worshippers. It is, how- 
ever, a painful reflection, that the churches of such men as 
Cotton Mather should now be occupied by a race who 
preach a diluted kind of Socinianism. The glory has, in 
this case, surely departed ; for though the rugged doctrines 
of the first settlers were not, in our views, exactly accord- 
ing to the truth, yet the bold, broad, deep faith of the pil- 
grims in the verities of grace, the work of the Saviour, and 
the sovereign providence of God, were certainly infinitely 
preferable to the meagre and flimsy philosophy now an- 
nounced in their pulpits. Is not this an instance of reac- 
tion ? The bow, as in many other cases, was pulled too 
far ; and the consequence has been, that the perception of 
the error has led to a rebound on the other side. 

After divine service. Dr. Hitchcock made his appearance. 
As soon as he entered he exclaimed, "Why, I am sure I 



24 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

have seen you before. Did not you preach missionary 
sermons at Jewin-street, London, on such an occasion, and 
at such a time ?" " Yes, I certainly did," was the reply. 
" Ah, then, I heard you ; I was stopping at Mr. Cave's ; 
and you gave out the words, * Those dark Americans con- 
vert :' now that was too bad." I had, of course, to ex- 
plain that the hymn, which was composed more than a 
hundred years ago, could not relate to the European popu- 
lation of America, but to the aboriginal inhabitants, the 
Indians. The effect of seeing a man who knew me was 
like magic. The pain left me, and I willingly took his ad- 
vice to put oflf all idea of operations until the following 
moniing. After performing two the next day, this gentle- 
man generously refused the proffered fee, saying he never 
took a fee from a minister. 

On Monday morning, Dr. Hitchcock undertook to inform 
the Methodist ministers of the place that I had arrived. 
In a short time the Rev. A. Stevens, editor of " Zion's 
Herald," made his appearance, with a profusion of apolo- 
gies that none of them had met me on landing, and con- 
ducted me to the house of one of the friends, who had 
kindly engaged to find me lodgings in case I landed at Bos- 
ton. I found this first Methodist minister whom I had the 
happiness to meet in America, a very intelligent and supe- 
rior man, full of kind feeling, and prepared to make my 
short stay as agreeable and instructive as possible. He 
first took me to the Book-Concern, where the preachers of 
the city were holding their weekly meeting. They had 
finished their business ; but I found a dozen or more of 
these good men, and had much very friendly conversation 
with them. They put many questions respecting English 
Methodism, and seemed greatly interested in our affairs. 
In tm*n, I proposed some queries to them, and obtained in- 
formation, of which I was before ignorant, respecting the 
nature of their work, and their modes of proceeding. 
Whilst this conversation was going on, my good friend 



PART I. — PERtSOJNAL NARRATIVE. 26 

Stevens had hired a vehicle to take me through and round 
the city. 

We set off in grand style, after the American fashion, 
dashing away through the crowded streets, and were not 
long before we were neatly jammed in the narrow space 
betwixt the body of a cart and its wheel. The collision 
broke no bones, and did no damage to our vehicle, though 
pretty severe, and sufficiently alarming to any one but a 
Yankee. My companion drove me to Bunker Hill, the 
scene of the famous battle of that name, and one of the 
first fought in the war of independence. The battle-ground 
is now surmounted by a pillar commemorative of the event. 
The site on which it stands has not much the appearance 
of a hill, being only sixty-two feet above the level of the 
sea. The foundation-stone was laid by La Fayette, on 
June l7th, 1825, being the jubilee, or fiftieth anniversary, 
of the battle. Its form is that of an obelisk, thirty feet 
square at the base, and sixteen feet four and a half inches 
at the top. The height from the base is two hundred and 
twenty-one feet. At the summit of this pillar is an ellipti- 
cal chamber, seventeen feet high, and eleven feet in dia- 
meter, with four windows, commanding a view in the 
direction of the four points of the compass. Ascending 
the steps of this monument, we obtained a most magnifi- 
cent view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding coun- 
try. The town, or rather three or four towns, as seen from 
this point, are curious enough. Boston proper is built on 
a peninsula, three miles long and one broad ; chosen pro- 
bably as furnishing the means of defence against the at- 
tacks of the Indians ; so, at least, it struck me at the time. 
But the moderns have managed to add to it what is called 
South Boston, formerly a part of Dorchester, and East 
Boston, anciently Noddle's Island. The peninsula had 
originally an uneven surface, and the place received the 
name of " Trimountain," so called from its three hills. The 
new portions are connected with the old and principal city 



26 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

by various bridges and ferry-boats, all of which are seen 
from the monument. The place may not resemble Venice 
in its chief features, but it is Venetian in the fact of its ap- 
parently standing, if not in, yet very much surrounded by, 
water. 

My friend seemed to doubt whether I should have the 
magnanimity to ascend this monument of American prowess 
and independence, and was evidently surprised when he 
found that it was my purpose to do so. In such circum- 
stances, however, I thought the wiser way was to forget 
past quarrels, and make the best of present opportunities 
of observation and pleasure. It is of little use to cherish 
old grudges ; and, certainly, it can indicate nothing but 
folly for Englishmen and Americans to entertain ill feelings 
on account of national differences. 

After descending from the monument, my kind con- 
ductor hastened to the Common ; a fine piece of ground, 
ornamented with trees, which is, in point of fact, what we 
should call " a park." This Common is the public prome- 
nade of the good citizens of Boston, who resort to it for 
fresh air aad recreation. This place possesses, also, some 
Methodistic traditionary fame. Let my friend Stevens give 
the history : — " In the centre of the Boston Common still 
stands a gigantic elm, the crowning ornament of the beau- 
tiful scenery. On a fine summer afternoon in July, 1790, 
a man of middle age, of a serene but shrewd countenance, 
and dressed in a style of simplicity which might have been 
taken for the guise of a Quaker, took his stand upon a table 
beneath the branches of the venerable tree. Four persons 
approached, and gazed upon him with surprise while he 
sang a hymn. It was sung by his solitary voice ; at its 
conclusion he knelt down upon the table, and, stretching 
forth his hands, prayed with a fervour and unction so un- 
wonted in the cool and minute petitions of the Puritan pul- 
pits, that it attracted the groups of promenaders who had 
come to spend an evening houi' in the shady walks, and by 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 2*7 

the time he rose from his knees they were streaming in 
processions from the different points of the Common to- 
wards him. While he opened his small Bible, and preached 
to them without notes, but in the demonstration of the 
Spirit and of power, the multitude grew into a dense mass, 
three thousand strong, eagerly catching every utterance of 
the singular stranger, and some of them receiving his mes- 
sage into ' honest and good hearts.' That bold evangelist 
was Jesse Lee, — the founder, under God, of Methodism in 
New-England."* 

After explormg the Common, we visited the State- 
House, that is, the parliament-house of the State of Massa- 
chusetts, standing on elevated ground at the upper end of 
the Common. The House was in session, and, at the 
time, engaged m their legislative functions. We met, on 
entering, in one of the lobbies, a tall, athletic gentleman, 
about sixty, his face and brow being marked with intelli- 
gence and deep thought. He belonged to the Senate, or 
Upper House ; and, after shaking hands with Mr. Stevens, 
was introduced to me as one of our brethren, — a noble 
Methodist. On leaving the Senate, we entered the House, 
as it is called, meaning the House of Representatives. 
We were conducted into the body of the chamber, and 
took our seats amongst the members. This being the first 
time I had seen an American legislative assembly, I, of 
course, felt curious to see and hear all I could. The hall 
is circular, or semi-circular, the seats of the members rising 
gradually above each other in amphitheatrical style, each 
being understood to belong to the gentlemen returned for 
certain constituencies, and furnished with a desk for the 
convenience of writing. The debate going on was not very 
interesting, having relation to a fishery. We heard three 
or four speakers. There was nothing that could be desig- 
nated eloquence ; for who could be eloquent about catch- 

* Stevens's " Memorials of the Introduction of Methodism into the Eastern 
States," pp. 1, 2. 



28 TOUii IN AMEKiCA. 

ing fish ? But we had good sense, and no more imperfec- 
tions of Enghsh and of style than may be heard any day in 
our own House of Commons. The chamber was nearly 
full of members ; every man seemed to be attending to his 
duties, and intent upon the business that was before him. 

We saw here portraits of all the old Puritans of former 
times ; such as Winthrop, Eliot, and others ; a fine group 
of noble heads and glorious characters. But the chief at- 
traction was a statue of Washington, by Chantrey. With- 
out pretending to any great skill in the fine arts, this statue 
arrested me certainly more than any work of sculpture I 
ever beheld. The form, the drapery, the attitude, the 
features, the expression, are exquisitely given. The great 
patriot met, in Chantrey, an artist worthy of himself; By 
the by, it struck me that some of the features of Washing- 
ton and John Wesley are much alike. Washington's fea- 
tures, indeed, seem to be larger and broader than Wesley's, 
and may not present to view so prominent and beautiful a 
profile ; but the lower part of the face appears very much 
to resemble that of Wesley, and the expression is very 
similar. 

From this central point of interest we made our way 
through the entire city, and beheld its churches, public 
buildings, shops, and private dwellings. Some parts of 
Boston have an air of antiquity, somewhat unusual in an 
American town. Faneuil Hall, erected in 1742, is much 
celebrated, and is, in reality, a fine building. The old 
State-House, at the head of State-street, is also a venerable 
pile. It was originally built in 1658; and, after suffering 
from fire, was rebuilt in 1141. It is said there are seventy- 
three churches in the city, of various dimensions and archi- 
tectural beauty. I was most attracted, through the power 
of association, with those which w^ere occupied by the 
Puritan fathers. The old churches bear the stamp of the 
plain, simple, spiritual faith of their founders ; the curious 
will meet little to gratify taste, but the serious Christian 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 29 

much to elicit reflection. The shops are handsome, and 
apparently well furnished ; and in the suburbs there are 
fine private houses. The city of Boston is thought to be 
more like an English town than any other in the Union, 
and this opinion is well founded ; but the resemblance is 
not exact in all respects. Many of the shops are stores ; 
the private houses are not laid out in our style, but often 
much better, being more spacious and airy ; the windows 
and ventilation are different, being framed to suit the state 
of the climate ; and the hotels, the accommodation, the 
attention paid, so far as I was concerned, far exceeded any- 
thing ordinarily to be met with in England. 

The Bostonians are considered the most intellectual and 
cultivated community in the United States. But of this 
my opportunities fm'nished no means of judging. They 
seemed, indeed, different from the New- York people ; the 
latter exhibiting; a much more commercial character. But 
do they excel the people of Baltimore ? Not, it struck me, 
in gentility of bearing, though they may outvie them in 
intellectual strength and cultivation. At any rate, they 
have taken the lead in all social and pohtical movements 
of any consequence. They form the true Yankee stock, 
amono' whom the name originated, and their sentiments and 
opinions have given law to the whole Union. I just saw 
the shadow of their great citizen, Daniel Webster, passing 
in the street ; who had returned from his senatorial duties 
to attend the obsequies of a beloved son, who had fallen in 
the Mexican war ; and, to complete the affliction, it was 
thought by the time the remains of the son had arrived in 
Boston, a daughter would have ceased to exist, and be pre- 
pared to share the same grave with her brother. Such are 
the events of every quarter of the world ! Neither talent 
nor station can ward off the misfortunes and sorrows of life. 
The people were not wanting in sympathy ; but what sym- 
pathy can reach such woes as these ? 

The day after visiting Boston, I set out in company with 



80 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Mr. Stevens, who, with his wife and other parties, was 
going to New- York, on their way to the Conference. We 
travelled by railroad to New-Haven. This was the first 
time I saw an American " railroad-car," as it is called. 
My reading had furnished me with a good stock of preju- 
dice, and I expected anything rather than an agreeable 
journey. Bad rails, jolting carriages, disagreeable and 
odious accommodation, with the likehhood of getting off 
the line, and being maimed or knocked on the head, were 
the several ideas which filled my mind. First appearances 
did not tend to remove these impressions. The carriages 
looked like great monstrous machines ; the wheels much 
larger, and the bodies prodigiously higher, than in our own 
country. These feelings were soon dissipated. I found 
myself in a spacious saloon, with an aisle, or path-way, 
down the middle, and high enough for the tallest man to 
stand or walk upright. The seats appeared more promising 
still. They were placed across from the aisle to the win- 
dow, and intended to hold two passengers each, beautifully 
lined and cushioned with velvet. These seats were so con- 
structed as to turn up, and form a sort of family pew, in 
which the inmates might sit face to face. These compart- 
ments, so formed, accommodate four persons ; who might, 
if they chose, hold a friendly tHe-a-t^te as they journeyed 
on. The saloon is windowed from end to end ; and these 
windows draw up and down to admit the fresh air, at the 
discretion of the passengers. Each of these saloons is also 
furnished with an excellent stove, heated as the weather 
may require. I know not exactly how many persons one 
of these rooms will accommodate, but certainly not less 
than sixty or eighty, and they are generally full. The 
speed is not so rapid as our first-class trains, but equal to 
some of those which move at a moderate rate. 

Travelling on, I began to think the thing was not so very 
bad. Apprehension of an overthrow soon gave way to 
confidence, and, so far as safety was a question, the matter 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 31 

was settled. But then the great room, and the juxta- 
position with all these Americans ! What of this ? I soon 
found occasion to be satisfied with this matter also. By 
the spaciousness of the saloons, and the means of mode- 
rating the atmosphere as occasion required, we obtained 
good air ; much more so than in the draughts or heated 
carriages in our own country. Then, again, the wmdows 
being continued from end to end on each side, we were 
spared the mortifying disappointment always felt when a 
fine view is within range by one of om' lines; we could 
gaze for a considerable length of time, and to a great ex- 
tent, upon every object worth notice in the country. The 
landscapes obtained in this way were often very fine and 
picturesque. The state of the country, the progress of 
cultivation, the buildings and towns, and, in fine, everything 
going on within sight of our route, might thus be pretty 
accurately seen. And then to be brought into contact 
with the people, — what can be so interesting to a traveller 
as this ? He is in search of living men ; he desires to wit- 
ness their habits, to judge of their character, to hear their 
conversation, and to join in it. A " railroad- car " in Ame- 
rica furnishes fine opportunities for all this. These con- 
siderations soon put an end to my disquiet of mind, and I 
began to think that, in this affair, the Yankee had improved 
on the Englishman ; and that his mode of constructing 
carriages, and managing railroad business, did no discredit 
to his sagacity and business talent. 

The country through which we journeyed did not pre- 
sent many points of interest. The cultivation was on the 
whole good ; but the soil rocky and poor. The season, 
I found, was not so far advanced as in our own country 
when I left it ; and now, towards the end of April, but 
little vegetation appeared. The Americans declaim against 
our beautiful hedge-rows ; I suppose, on the piinciple of 
people who, not possessing an advantage themselves, are 
jealous in the case of others enjoying it. Be this as it 



32 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

may, there are few, scarcely any, quick- set hedges in 
America ; and I was told that the Enghsh thorn would not 
grow in their chmate. Nothing can be more odious than 
the fences of the country ; the landscape is perfectly de- 
formed by their appearance. The farmers employ long 
pieces of wood, no doubt cut up for the purpose. These 
arc laid lengthwise, crossing each other at the end, and 
piled up one upon another a sufficient height to keep their 
cattle from going astray. This mode of fence causes the 
whole country to look hke one prodigious wood-yard ; and, 
in the absence of this wood, stone is employed. The en- 
closures are of greater or lesser extent, in which cattle and 
sheep are seen grazing, or corn growing, as the case may 
be. The villages and towns on our route appeared very 
pretty ; the houses being chiefly built of wood, painted 
white, and the window-blinds green. By these means an 
air of great cleanliness was secured, and many of these 
wooden buildings rose to magnificence, having a mansion- 
like appearance. I found afterwards that houses thus 
built of wood are capable of excluding wind and weather, 
and securing as great an amount of comfort and warmth 
as the more substantial erections of brick or stone. 

Springfield, the seat of one of the government armories, 
is a beautiful place ; the whole country ha\'ing a most pictu- 
resque appearance, well cultivated, and the soil much bet- 
ter than any we had passed over. Our line, for many 
miles, lay by the side of the Connecticut ; and, as this was 
the first of the great American rivers which I had seen, I 
felt greatly excited by its appearance. It is a magnificent 
stream, though vastly inferior to many which I afterwards 
visited. The banks are very beautiful, and rich in meadow- 
land, studded with farm-houses and peaceful \dllages. My 
reading furnished me with some reminiscences respecting 
the first occupancy of this country by European settlers. 
How different now to the time when Indian tribes paddled 
their canoes in these waters, and disputed with the white 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 33 

man, by war, by stratagem, by fire and blood, the posses- 
sion of the soil ! These sanguinary contests had taken 
place on every foot of ground we were traversing. "Women 
and children had been cut off, and taken into a cruel cap- 
tivity, in the absence of the men ; and it was not till a vast 
amount of human life had been sacrificed, that peace and 
abundance were made to take the place of a ruthless con- 
test, which ended in the extirpation or banishment of the 
original lords of the soil. Peaceful flocks were now graz- 
ing, watched over by the children of the villages, where the 
war-whoop and the scalping-knife used to hold dominion. 

We finished our railroad journey at New-Haven, and 
embarked on board a steamer. Our course lay down the 
Sound, sku'ted on one side by the Connecticut shore, and 
on the other by Long Island. The Sound is a most mag- 
nificent inlet to New- York from the great Atlantic. Being 
now on board an American steamer for the first time, I 
was intent upon seeing whether the people indulged in 
those tobacco habits which travellers have almost uniformly 
attributed to them. We had been pretty free from any- 
thing oflfensive in the railroad car ; and I began to doubt 
whether the reports were true, or to think they were exag- 
gerations. I was soon undeceived. The practice in ques- 
tion was almost general ; and nearly the whole deck soon 
became coloured and almost impassable. Among the rest 
of the passengers were two young people, male and female, 
who were evidently not man and wife, but in the probable 
way of becoming so. They were very respectable in their 
appearance and attire, — the young man ha\dng the bearing 
of a farmer of the first class ; and the lady, it is to be pre- 
sumed, a farmer's daughter, of prepossessing appearance, 
dressed very genteelly, and withal wearing, what seemed 
to be pretty generally the fashion in America, a green veil. 
Our young couple, of course, avoided the pubhc, kept 
themselves in close quarters in one corner of the deck, and 
were in ardent conversation. In pacing backwards and 

2* 



34 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

forwards, my attention was attracted to this scene ; and I 
observed that the young gentleman, about every five mi- 
nutes or less, poured forth a stream of tobacco saliva at 
the lady's feet. This, it is to be presumed, was by way of 
libation to his goddess ; it was an offering of love. The 
thing seemed a perfect matter of course ; and neither the 
lady, nor anybody else, appeared in the least annoyed. It 
may be as well to dismiss this whole affair at once ; and I 
am sorry to say, that, though I saw occasion to differ in 
opinion with American travellers on many points, in this I 
was obliged to agree with them. The deck of steamers 
seems to be the favourite arena for this kind of exploit. I 
declare, I saw men, again and again, sitting under the 
awnings of their beautiful vessels, when it would have been 
quite as convenient, and often more so, to pour the con- 
tents of their mouths into the water as upon the deck; 
but they invariably preferred the latter, and rendered it 
next to impossible to move without treading in this liquid 
nuisance. 

Heaven is always propitious. In the midst of what was 
so offensive in man, nature presented great beauties and 
glorious scenery on every side. The entrance into New- 
York harbour on the side we took is very intricate, requir- 
ing great skill on the part of the pilot. We had to pass a 
place which English jack- tars, when New- York was a Bri- 
tish province, designated "Hell-gate," not a very religious, 
but certainly a very appropriate, name. It is a sort of 
whirlpool, and the waters are much agitated ; while the 
rocks in the river are of such a nature as to narrow up the 
channel, and render destruction certain if the exact course 
is not hit by the pilot's skill. In a bend of this intricate 
channel we were within an ace of runninsf down a vessel, 
which, turning the point unseen, and getting into the cur- 
rent, was rendered perfectly helpless in herself, and was 
exposed to the instant rush of our steamer. With great 
promptitude and skill our captain turned his vessel nearly 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 36 

round, so as completely to avoid the ill-fated ship, and she 
passed safely down the channel. The sight for some mi- 
nutes was horrific. I felt perfectly certain, that nothing 
could save us from being brought into collision ; and, had 
this taken place, one or both vessels must have gone to the 
bottom very near the place so ominously named " Hell- 
gate." We were spared this fate by a gracious interposi- 
tion of Providence. 

As we advanced, we obtained a good view of the build- 
ings on the banks of the channel. The villas of the citizens 
of JN'ew-York are seen on each side ; and many of them 
are splendid and superb. The wealthy merchants and 
others seek repose from business, and invigorated health, 
in these princely retreats. Ship-building establishments, 
of great magnitude, are found in these quarters ; and there 
is a goodly number of hospitals, asylums, prisons, and 
places of a similar description in view. New- York harbour 
itself breaks upon the view of the voyager on turning a 
promontory, all at once. The sight is dazzling. Nothing 
can be more imposing than the harbour, the shipping, and 
the city, thus bursting upon the astonished beholder. 

It is difficult, without drawings, to convey a true idea of 
this magnificent port — one of the finest in the world. It 
is necessary to remark, that the city stands upon the fork 
of two great rivers ; one to the east, called East River, the 
other to the North, called North, or Hudson's River. 
Opposite this tongue of land, at a considerable distance, is 
the lower end of Long Island, which has the effect of land- 
locking the harbour, guarding it from storms, and breaking 
the swell of the Atlantic. By reason of this contiguity of 
Long Island, the harbour possesses all the qualities of a 
prodigious basin, with the tongue, on which New- York 
stands, projecting into its centre. This fine piece of water 
is entered by two channels ; the one from the Sound, which 
we passed, and the other immediately from the Atlantic. 
This latter entrance is so narrow, that it is capable of per- 



36 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

feet defence ; and it seems impossible for any vessels to 
pass without being exposed to certain destruction from the 
raking fire of the batteries. The other inlet to the harbour 
possesses natural defences, as no ship of war can ascend 
the rocky and shallow channel we passed. 

The ships are moored around the tongue on which the 
city stands, which forms a sort of crescent with the out- 
ward circle projecting into the water. Many hundred ves- 
sels of all sizes, some of the largest class, lay at anchor 
around this point of land — if it can be called at anchor — 
for there is depth of water sufficient to permit them to 
touch the wharves without the use of the anchor. Here, 
in crescent form, these vessels lay, apparently all round the 
lower point of the city ; and many of them, ascending the 
two rivers, find a resting-place on the banks of these beau- 
tiful streams. From this it will appear, that in case Long 
Island was removed, New-York would be anything but a 
harbour ; and it would be altoo-ether indebted to its rivers 
for a place of shelter for its ships. Long Island is the pa- 
tron saint of New-York, the guardian of its interests — 
indeed, the cause of its greatness. 



CHAPTER IIL 

New-York — Harpers' Printing and Publishing Establishment — The Methodist 
Book Concern — The Exchange and Custom-IIouse — Excitement respecting 
an anticipated Revolution in England — Charitable Institutions — The City — 
Leave for Baltimore — David Creamer, Esq.— The Journey — New-Jersey — 
Newark — Princeton— Trenton — The Delaware — Philadelpliia — The Chesa- 
peake Bay. 

On making the landing-place we were met by Dr. Bangs, 
the historian of Methodism in America, Dr. Corson, au- 
thor of " Loiterings in various Countries in Europe," and 
two of the Harpers, who all welcomed our arrival with 
hearty greetings. I was appointed to take up my residence 
in the family of Mr. Fletcher Harper, who at once con- 
ducted me to his hospitable home. Besides Mrs. Harper, 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 37 

sen., I here found a young lady recently married to one of 
Mr. Harper's sons, a countrywoman, from London, the 
daughter of Mr. Jeremiah Smith. Of course, I was at home 
at once ; had it not been so, I must have possessed a most 
morose and misanthropic nature ; for everything was done 
for my comfort which friendship and affection could sug- 
gest. This was the first private family I had been domi- 
ciled with in America ; and certainly the reception I met 
with, and the habits of the family, tended to give me a most 
favourable impression of the virtues of private life in the 
United States. 

But besides the order, decorum, and happiness, so appa- 
rent in this Christian family, the house itself struck me as 
one of the most perfect I had ever seen. Everything in 
America is executed on the most improved scale of com- 
mon sense. Not that there is any want of taste, of ele- 
gance, of decoration ; but the basis of every arrangement 
seems to be that of utility and comfort. This house, so 
excellent of its kind, is but a sample of the rest. It stood 
in one of the streets, was one of a rovv' of houses of the 
same size and form, and was neither greater nor better in 
appearance than those by v/hich it was surrounded. This 
gives some insight into the style in which the higher class 
of merchants and tradesmen in New- York live. 

I had only two days to spare for visiting the lions in 
New- York, and therefore set about the business in good 
earnest. It is surprising how much may be done in a short 
time, when resolution and industry are brought into requi- 
sition. On the first day, my good friend Mr. Harper con- 
ducted me through the city, showing me first his own 
establishment, the Methodist Book-Concern, the Custom- 
House, the Exchange, Trinity Church, Broadway, the land- 
side of the harbour, visiting several magnificent ships, 
warehouses, and the rest. 

Mr. Harper's printing and publishing establishment is as 
remarkable as anything in the way of business can well be 



38 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

imagined. Everything- is done on the same premises. A 
great number of presses are at work ; and one, called the 
"Adams press," from the name of the inventor, is remark- 
able. It was partly self-acting, an instrument of the nature 
of pincers, or rather a hand, taking hold of the paper as 
a roller revolved, and placing it so as to receive the de- 
signed impression ; which, on coming from under the cylin- 
der, was received by a child, and placed in order. I 
understood that this machine could print, if necessary, 
letter-press to an indefinite length, — if the paper would 
admit it, of miles in extent. I saw the workmen forming 
stereotype plate-models, — a curious process. "Vast piles 
of these plates, having done their duty in time past, were 
lying in store for further orders. In these extensive- pre- 
mises, a great number of females were employed in stitch- 
ing, and matters of that nature. These females were under 
the inspection of a Roman Catholic forewoman, of great 
intelligence and energy. She was from England, had lived 
in London ; and, though a Romanist, had strayed into City- 
Road chapel, and, having heard me preach at that place, 
at once recognized me, and seemed well pleased to see 
any one from home. We had, on entering the work-room 
of these females, an example of American character and 
manners. How did Mr. Harper, one of the principals of 
the firm, and master of these people, accost them? Did 
he rudely vociferate his orders in dictatorial and impera- 
tive language, after the English fashion ? No ! On entering 
their apartment, he took off" his hat, paid them the compli- 
ments of the morning, inquired after their health, and 
addressed them by the term " young ladies." Was this 
affectation ? Not in the least. It had all the appearance 
of habit ; and certainly in their bearing, dress, the absence 
of all sluttishness, these females deserved respectful treat- 
ment. This will be sneered at by many of our countrymen, 
as a specimen of Yankeeism. Well, be it so ; but, let us 
ask, Which is the man of breeding, the gentleman ? — the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 39 

boisterous, imperious, swearing John Bull, giving his or- 
ders to his servants as if they were his slaves ? — or this 
American, thus addressing the people who supply the 
hands, the sinews, the labour, (though he may furnish the 
genius,) which are creating his fortune ? Besides the exten- 
sive business transacted at this establishment, these gentle- 
men have branch-establishments in various parts of the 
country, on a large scale. 

This firm reprints inany English books ; and, having 
nothing to pay for copyright and authorship, they are 
enabled to get out and publish our most approved works 
at a very cheap rate. By reason of these cheap editions 
of our literature, the fact is that English authors are more 
extensively known in America than in our own country. 
The light reading of the day, the leading periodicals, 
novels, and productions of this class, have a prodigious cir- 
culation. But standard works by our best writers, whether 
in history, philosophy, theology, or the sciences and arts, 
are in universal circulation. This importation of knowledge 
is, no doubt, a present advantage ; but it sadly militates 
against creative talent in the States. It is, indeed, con- 
sidering their youth as a nation, and the hard and material 
work they have to do, a matter of astonishment that the 
competition is so successful, and that America has furnished 
so many able writers. . 

I was extremely sorry to perceive that the Americans 
exceed us as a novel-reading people. At every public 
place, the termini of the rail-road, landing-places of the 
steamboat, and often on board as well, numbers of lads are 
found vending this trash. The people in general, the ladies 
especially, are continually seen amusing or exciting them- 
selves by revelling in this world of fancy, often extremely 
vulgar and foolish. To give an instance : On one of my 
journeys by railroad, there sat before me a family, consist- 
ing of a husband, wife, and child, perhaps two years old. 
This mother and wife, a very genteel and lady-like person, 



40 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

got hold of one of these novels, and scarcely lifted her 
eyes from her book the whole of the distance they travelled, 
which occupied the greater part of the day. The husband, 
in the mean time, had the entire care of the little boy. It 
cried, and he patted it into good-humour ; it slept on his 
lap, and he fanned it ; it required food, he ransacked the 
reticule to find cakes and sweetmeats, and, in fact, was a 
perfect nurse. All this time the mother was completely 
absorbed in her tale, and took not the least notice of either 
husband or boy ; and, in fact, seemed unconscious that they 
were present, or that she had any duties to perform towards 
one or the other. This pernicious habit is eating into the 
American mind, and will produce sad and deleterious 
effects on a jrreat scale. 

We went next to the Methodist Book-Concern, a large 
and well-conducted establishment. The premises are very 
extensive, being designed to facilitate both the printing and 
publishing departments. This institution is the centre of 
Methodist literature in the United States. As in this coun- 
try, this literature is of a somewhat distinctive character ; 
the Methodist press being chiefly, though not exclusively, 
engaged m the publication of works emanating from the 
body, and designed for its use. The Christian Advocate 
and Journal, and the Methodist Quarterly Review, consti- 
tute the periodical literature of this establishment. But 
though the former of these works makes its appearance in 
the newspaper form, it partakes much more of the character 
of a magazine than a newspaper ; the latter is what its 
name designates, and it is conducted with considerable 
abihty. The standard theology of the Methodist Church 
being the same as t)ur own, it follows, that the works of 
Mr. Wesley, and the most distinguished of our English 
writers, constitute the staple of their trade. Vast piles of 
these books are seen in their warehouses, prepared for cir- 
culation through the country ; and it is pleasing to know 
that the instruction, comfort, and encouragement which 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 41 

these ^vl'itmgs are so well calculated to afford, will alike 
find their way into the log-lmt of the backwoodsman, to the 
negro in his bondage, to the Indian in his expatriation, and 
to the abodes of the more wealthy citizen. 

But though the fathers of the Methodist body on this 
side of the water are in general circulation, yet the Ame- 
ricans are not destitute of sterling and valuable writings 
of their own. Theology, sacred criticism, specimens of 
pulpit eloquence, biography, narrative, abound among them. 
But, as in the case of the community at large, the Method- 
ist body is too busy ; is too extensively engaged in the 
vocation of the evangelist pioneer ; has too much rough 
work to accomplish in clearing away rubbish and laying 
the foundations of their church ; is obliged to carry on 
operations on too extended a scale, and in the midst of 
populations demanding incessant pastoral and ministerial 
care ; to make it possible to devote themselves, in any 
numbers, and to any extent, to recondite studies. The 
Methodist press, notwithstanding these disadvantages, is 
effecting good service for religion, and the progress of 
general knowledge. As their colleges become more effi- 
cient, as residence and leisure are accorded to the pro- 
fessors, as facilities for study and learning are furnished, no 
doubt the religious literature of the church will become 
progressively much more rich and elevated. 

But at present this Book-Concern must be chiefly con- 
sidered as a centre of religious light and influence, in aid 
of the living ministry. In this view of the subject it will 
be seen as possessing immense value and importance. Its 
immediate and great purpose is now to promote the work 
of God, to incite to pious and zealous activity, to confer 
instruction on the privileges and duties of the religious life, 
and to point out the way to heaven. It deals but little in 
speculation. The condition of the Church will not allow 
of this. It is not sufficiently advanced to find leism*e for 
either the higher or the more polished subjects of religious 



42 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

literature. The philosophy, the poetry, the refined abstrac- 
tions of theology, must, in every case, rest on the founda- 
tions of general knowledge. . To lay these foundations is, 
at present, the business of the Methodist Church. In this 
department they are making admirable progress ; and, this 
being the vocation of the institution, its utmost energy is 
devoted to this object. Its radiations of light reach through 
thousands of miles, to the remotest extremities of the 
Union ; its voice of exhortation, of admonition, of reproof, 
of warning, is heard in the wilderness, the village, the 
city, of every part of the continent ; its life, like electrical 
fire, is fusing itself into the masses of the population ; and 
its lessons of divine truth are, as we trust, laying the basis 
of a pure, holy, practical Christianity, as extensively as the 
habitations of this numerous people. 

In connexion with these premises is the committee-room, 
for the management of missionary affairs ; a plain and hum- 
ble place, with an elevated seat for the chairman, and 
wooden benches for the members. Suspended upon the 
walls of this room were the portraits of the bishops of the 
church, living and dead, plain, but intelligent and sedate 
men ; Bishop Asbury standing out from the rest by his ro- 
bust character and fine features. On the premises was a 
vile picture of Dr. Newton. 1 remember, at the time of 
the doctor's visit to the States, reading a newspaper de- 
scription of his person and preaching, in which the moral 
painter said, among other things, " with a little of the d — 1 
in his eye." The author of this sketch might have been 
the real painter of our beloved countryman ; for he has 
most certainly put a sufficient quantity of the evil one in 
his eye. This is unreal ; there is no demon there ; nature, 
or grace, has done just the reverse, and given to that eye, 
with its intelligence and genius, the bold, direct, simple 
expression of truth and honesty. 

We visited the Exchange and Custom-House ; splendid 
buildings, finely laid out for business, and constructed of 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 43 

massive blocks of granite. To obtain a new view of the 
city and harbour, we mounted to the top of one of these 
edifices, and were well repaid for the trouble. The city was 
seen to a great extent, with its churches, public buildings, 
and busy streets ; and the harbour, the sea, Long Island, 
and the adjacent country, appeared in all their beauty and 
glory. 

Mr. Harper, who was known to the heads of these es- 
tablishments, introduced me as an Englishman just arrived. 
They were very solicitous for news, and desirous to elicit 
my opinions respecting our state, and the probabilities of a 
revolution. We had sailed from Liverpool on the Satur- 
day previously to the great Chartist meeting held on Ken- 
nington Common on the following Monday ; so that our 
packet carried out the announcement of the intended de- 
monstration, without its solution. This produced great 
excitement and app"ohension as to the result. These gen- 
tlemen pressed me us to the real facts of the case, and the 
probabilities of revolutionary success. This they did, not 
in the spirit of glorying, or desire of conquest on the side 
of the Chartists, but, on the contrary, of a real sympathy 
with our country, and of anxiety for the preservation of 
the public peace; but they evidently entertained strong 
apprehensions. I endeavoured to dissipate these alarms, 
and told them I was certain we should have no revolution ; 
that the Chartists had no hold in the country, they were 
mere chaff, a bubble on the surface of the waters, and that 
the government would gain a very easy victory. " Well," 
said they, " the queen is gone to the Isle of Wight ; the 
ministers must have some reason for dread, or they would 
not have advised her removal to that place." It was re- 
plied, that she was partial to that residence, and her cir- 
cumstances made it necessary for her to seek the quiet and 
bracing air of that retreat ; that there was nothing at all in 
that fact. " Well, but then there is Ireland," it was said ; 
" the Irish are threatening a rebellion ; and will not they 



44 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

and the Chartists coalesce, and bring about a revolution ?" 
The answer was, If any other parties had employed the 
lano-uage which the Irish agitators had made use of, there 
would be reason to fear ; but the bombastic bellowing of 
these people, which had been heard so loud and so long, 
would come to very little ; and, moreover, it was question- 
able whether they would really make any movement at all, 
inasmuch as the assassin never made his purpose known ; 
and it was very unlikely that these men would proclaim 
their rebellious purposes, in case they really intended to 
revolt. In the course of these conversations the Chartists 
were called " the people." It was replied, that they were 
not "the people;" and that the real people' of England 
were a very ditierent class ; were well satisfied with their 
institutions, and would certainly defend them, and have 
the ability to do so successfully. 

From these interviews and conV creations I felt con- 
vinced, that the class of men with whom I thus casually 
held intercourse had no sympathy with the malcontents of 
either England or Ireland ; and that it was their anxious 
desire that we might escape the dangers which threatened 
us. Whether my notion be true or not, or to what extent, 
I know not ; but I certainly fancied, at the time of these 
conversations, (for in substance they were constantly oc- 
curring,) that some of the parties seemed somewhat re- 
lieved of their fears and anxieties. Be this as it may, it 
was a pleasure to deal fairly by one's country ; and a 
greater pleasure still, to find that the true, the genuine, 
the home-born Americans were not so inimical as to desire 
her overthrow. At dinner with a party of ministers, and 
other friends, the conversation turned on our institutions 
compared with the American : and some reflections being 
in pleasantry made on our queenly oflace and the aristo- 
cracy, this called up Mrs. Harper, jun., our countrywoman, 
who most heroically defended the queen and nobility, na- 
turalized, as I suppose she was, as an Amciican. Her 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 45 

kind-hearted father-in-law, I perceived, dehghted to put 
her on the defensive, which always called forth a fine 
burst of English feeling. How long does it take to extin- 
guish the love of home, of country ? In fine natures, this 
can never be effected ; it is an undying, an immortal passion. 
The next day our good friend Mr. Francis Hall, and 
other friends, took me to see the charitable institutions be- 
longing to the city. We visited a hospital, presided over 
by Dr. Reese, a Methodist physician ; a man of remarkable 
energy, and of great celebrity in his profession. We then 
made our way to an establishment, a Refuge, half prison 
and half school, for the reformation of young delinquents 
of both sexes. This institution we found, also, under the 
management of Methodists. The matron, a strong-minded 
and sensible woman, took us to view the female depart- 
ment; and from her, as well as from the master on the 
other side, we were informed that their success was very 
considerable, that many of the boys and girls, through the 
influence of this institution, turned out good and virtuous 
citizens. The Dumb and Deaf Asylum has been so often 
described by such writers as Basil Hall, Charles Dickens, 
and others, that it cannot be necessary to enter into de- 
tails. The inmates, however, are the most interesting 
class of human beings which can well be met with. Na- 
ture seems, in some measure, to have compensated the 
loss of one sense, by giving peculiar delicacy and vividness 
to others. As everything is done by the eye, this organ 
seemed to possess extraordinary flexibility and power. 
The whole soul appeared to throw herself into this bright 
and beaming orb. Such expression I never saw. Let us 
mention one incident. I desired the principal to convey to 
them, by the usual means, our sincere thanks for their 
kindness in allowing us to put them to the trouble of go- 
ing through their various exercises for our gratification. 
The expression on their countenances, and in their gestures, 
but especially in the eye, when this was conveyed to them. 



4^6 TOUU ii\ AMERICA. 

was indescribable. At liow small a cost is it often in our 
power to excite emotions of pleasure ! Who would not do 
this in the case of those who are shut out, by the inscruta- 
ble providence of God, from so many sources of enjoyment ? 
But that which most interested me, in this day's excur- 
sion, was the African Asylum for the orphan children of 
people of colour. Here, again, we found Methodists en- 
gaged in the entire management of the institution. The 
master, mistress, and teachers were all of our own persua- 
sion. The design of the estabhshment is to provide a 
maintenance and education for the orphan children of the 
poor afflicted African race. The name, the wrongs, the 
colour of these children, I must confess, awakened all my 
sympathies. The building was spacious, and wears the 
appearance of perfect order and cleanliness ; and the do- 
mestic portion of the business is evidently well conducted, 
the children having the look of health and happiness. We 
were taken into the school-room to see the httle orphans ; 
and what a sight ! They were of all imaginable colours, 
and nearly of all sizes; some almost infants, and others 
nearly grown up. What seemed most astonishing to the 
ignorant in such matters, was the fact that some of them 
were, to our unpractised eye, perfectly white ; not exactly 
the white of the European, but pale, delicate, and very 
beautiful. The countenance had altogether lost the negro 
cast, — thick lips, prominent cheek-bones, woolly hair, and 
all the other characteristics ; and, in their place, the aqui- 
line nose, black, straight hair, in most cases a beautiful 
mouth, gave them a Circassian cast, -without the florid com- 
plexion and A-ivacity of the race. Why these fine and 
beautiful specimens of human nature are treated as Afri- 
cans in the United States, and on this flimsy plea cast out 
of society, who can tell ? Others of these children, how- 
ever, had retained the perfect African physiognomy, and 
were as black as jet. Indeed, this interesting group va- 
ried from white, through every shade of colour, to perfect 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 47 

ebony. There sat one little creature at her desk, scarcely- 
high enough to reach its edge, perfectly black, and an 
inimitable picture of docility and happiness. The image 
of this child can never be forgotten ! Poor African, it had 
no consciousness of misfortune or trouble, of degradation 
and injuiy ! To know that that innocent little creature 
must grow up in the midst of a system of proscription, and 
be punished as long as life shall remain, for no other ima- 
ginable crime than the colour of its skin, is painful to think 
of, but absolutely certain. 

These forlorn children were put through their school- 
exercises, and evinced no deficiency of intellect, but, on 
the other hand, great acuteness and aptitude to learn. They 
sang us some of their sweet and pathetic ditties, having 
relation to their circumstances ; "which, with the thought of 
their fate, went to the bottom of one's soul, and stirred 
every emotion. Being presented with some little gratuity 
to procure them sweetmeats, their happiness seemed com- 
plete ; and we took our leave in the midst of their child- 
like farewells ; but on our own part with something more 
than even powerful emotions. 

On our return we called to see the Croton water- works, 
connected AAdth a remarkable aqueduct of that name, thirty- 
three miles in length, thrown over gullies, rivers, valleys, 
ravines, and all sorts of impediments, to the point which 
we visited ; from whence it pours its hfe-giving streams by 
innumerable pipes through the entire city. 

The city of New- York, the commercial metropolis of 
America, bears all the marks of increasing wealth, and of 
a great destiny. Its mercantile establishments, its banks, 
its shops, its hotels, are on the most magnificent scale. 
Wall-street, Broadway, and other streets, are equal to any- 
thing which can be imagined, as thoroughfares and places 
of business. The public buildings, except those which are 
connected with trade, are not first-rate. Romanism never 
established itself in this place ; and Romanism alone, of all 



48 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

religious systems, has left great ecclesiastical monuments 
behind it : where it has not prevailed, we look in vain for i 
any splendid specimens of antiquarian grandeur. Here are 
pretty churches ; as Trinity, a very beautiful specimen of 
architecture ; but it is like an infant in a costly dress, com- 
pared with the old remains of Europe. Aristocracy, an- 
other element of greatness, which has left behind noble 
remains of feudal grandeur, never obtained here ; and is 
now more out of vogue than ever. We have no venerable 
castles, manor-houses, mansions, from this quarter. Riches 
will produce their accustomed results at a future day ; 
but not yet. At present the laws of property dissipate 
large fortunes, by dividing them equally among children ; 
and even the demi-aristocracy, such as it was at the pe- 
riod of the Revolution, is now very much brought down to 
the American level. It seemed strange, in such a city, to 
see no gentlemen's carriages with footmen in livery. They 
may, for aught I know, exist to some extent ; but as far 
as I recollect, I never saw one. This may be considered 
a good or an evil, according to the taste and notions of 
men ; but to people who witness these pageants so con- 
stantly and in such numbers in this country, the contrast 
is striking:. 

The streets of New-York are very spacious ; and what 
adds much to their beauty and comfort, is found in their 
being planted with fine chestnuts and poplars, which throw 
their agreeable shade over the foot-passengers. 

I had no opportunity of attending any religious service, 
so that I cannot speak on such questions as pulpit elo- 
quence, the manner of conducting worship, the numbers 
and spirit of the auditors, and the fervour or decorum ob- 
servable in these assembhes. But the people and minis- 
ters whom I had the pleasure of meeting, appeared to me 
to be very intelligent, thoughtful, and eminent Christians. 
Our people, indeed, were going to regard the day I left as 
a day of fasting and prayer, for God's blessing on the Con- 



I 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 49 

ference ; — a most laudable arrangement. They urged me 
to stay to preach, which I desired to do ; but had I done 
so, I must have sacrificed Washington ; and this could not 
be thought of. Hence, after spending two of the most 
interesting days of my existence, I prepared to start for 
Baltimore on the Friday morning. 

Our party consisted of the Rev, James Porter, a presid- 
ing elder in one of the New-England Conferences, and au- 
thor of a good and heart-stirring little volume, called " The 
True Evangelist," — and David Creamer, Esq., a merchant 
living at Baltimore, with others. This gentleman left an 
employment dear to his heart, at New- York, for the pur- 
pose of accompanying me to his native city. He had been 
employed for several years in studying the hymns and po- 
etry of the Wesleys ; and was, at the time, employed in 
bringing out a work, partly historical and partly critical, 
through the press, on this interesting subject. He had 
spared neither trouble nor expense in the pursuit of his 
object, employing all sorts of agents in Europe to collect 
every edition in existence of Charles Wesley's poetic effusions. 
I am not able to give an opinion of this work, as it was 
not published at the time I left ;^ but from a portion of 
" copy" shown me on our route, I judged it would prove 
an acceptable and useful addition to the literature of the 
American Methodist Church. It had been submitted to the 
inspection of a committee of the Baltimore Conference, who 
reported favourably, and the Conference recommended the 
work to the public. This gentleman, like all fine enthusiasts, 
seemed to live in Wesleyan poetry. It was his ideal of 
everything beautiful and glorious ; his mind was fascinated 
and absorbed in his theme ; he discoursed not of politics, 
or merchandise, or material things, but of Charles Wesley, 
of sacred songs, of metres, sublimities, and devotional praise 
to God. It was really refreshing to see a young man, a 

* [The work has since been publislied, under the title of Methodist Ilymnolo- 
gy; and is now on sale at the Methodist Book Concern.] 

o 
O 



50 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

merchant, in active life, enabled to turn his thoughts so 
completely from " buying, and selling, and getting gain," 
as to devote his time and energies to a subject so delicate 
and sacred. But these Americans are an amazingly ener- 
getic race ; and, besides, everybody has scope, room, en- 
couragement. To develop everything having life, soul, 
intellect, seems to be the American principle, whether 
found in poetry or prose. The public, and the churches 
as well, glory in any man, no matter whether lay or cleric, 
belonging either to the category of talent or piety. Their 
rule evidently is, to give everybody a chance, to foster, to 
prompt, to lead on, and make the best of every one's facul- 
ties and power. Talent is sure to meet with a market ; it 
is admired, applauded, honoured, and, when connected 
with piety and goodness of character, cannot fail to elevate 
its subject to an honourable position in the Church. 

Our route lay through a portion of New-Jersey, em- 
bracing Jersey City, Newark, New-Brunswick, Princeton, 
Trenton — famous in the history of the American war, as 
the scene of one of Washington's victories, and the capital 
of New- Jersey. Here we crossed the Delaware into Penn- 
sylvania, and travelled by its western bank to Bristol, and 
thence to Tacony. This town is six miles above Phila- 
delphia, where we embarked on board a steamer, and 
reached the city by water. The scenery was most magni- 
ficent ; made so by the breadth and sweep of the river ; 
the banks being rich, fertile, varied, and well cultivated ; 
and, moreover, studded with excellent houses, and beauti- 
ful mansions and villas. There stood the Quaker city, 
peering towards skies as bright as those of Italy, resting 
on the bosom of a country as fertile as imagination can 
conceive ; touching one of the finest rivers and bays in 
the world ; receiving and giving a rich and varied com- 
merce ; and presenting to \-iew the general aspect of in- 
dustry, virtue, peace, and happiness. It seems impossible 
that William Penn, the great Quaker, could have selected 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 61 

a finer site for his city. If anything can be perfect in 
this world, one would say Philadelphia presents a perfect 
ground-plan and locale for the abode of man. This is 
considered by the Americans themselves as their most 
beautiful city. Taken as a whole, it may be so. The as- 
semblage of favourable cu*cumstances seems complete. 
Earth and sky, land and water, ail combine to produce this. 
effect. Nature has certainly selected this spot as for the 
piu'pose of showing, in the beauties of even a ruined world, 
some faint outline, some faded image, of what Paradise 
must have been. 

But yet I did not hke Philadelphia as a city. It is too 
uniform ; a beautiful landscape cannot be imagined with- 
out variety. Is not this principle of variety equally neces- 
sary in everything else having extent, space, magnitude ? 
A city is not like a cottage, a lodge, a little box. There 
may be uniformity, and yet taste may not be offended ; 
but place these neat boxes in a row, in a straight line, of, 
say a mile or two long, without anything to relieve the 
eye, and then it will be found that the straight line without 
a curve, the uniformity of buildings, unbroken by any 
variation in height and elevation, streets crossing each 
other at right angles, and at equally measm'ed distances, 
produces impressions which are not in agreement with our 
notions of the beautiful. The houses, indeed, are not ex- 
actly uniform ; but the streets are perfectly so, securing 
ventilation and a good circulation of air, but giving the 
notion of a town in livery, dressed in the prim costume of 
the people who founded the city. The Quaker mind has 
left its impress on the material form of their city ; though 
it is to be feared the Quaker spirit has long since evapo- 
rated. I saw very few persons in the garb of Friends ; 
though some few were observed passing along in grave and 
sober dignity. The population is now perfectly miscella- 
neous, as much so as any other place, and its pecidiarities 
are only seen in the town itself. 



52 TUUll iiS AMEUIUA. 

The Friends, in their own home, have been far outstrip- 
ped by other rehgious denominations. 

Time would not allow us to remain long. I had only an 
opportunity of running into one or two public buildings ; 
of passing down a few streets, so as to obtain a general 
idea of the place ; of getting a hasty dinner, and then start- 
ing off towards Baltimore. I promised myself the plea- 
sure of a second visit, which could not be accomplished ; 
so that my adieu to Philadelphia proved to be final. 

We travelled partly by railroad and partly by steam, 
which, by reason of the diversity both as to mode and 
scenery, is very pleasant. In this excursion we crossed or 
sailed upon the Delaware, Elk river, the Patapsco, and 
Chesapeake Bay. The latter, on the portion we traversed, 
had widened into a sea, and had a most magnificent ap- 
pearance. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Baltimore and Wasliington— The City and Capitol— Tlie Senate— General Cass 
—Captain Fremont— Mr. Calhoun, &c.— The House of Representatives- 
Debate— Visit to the President— To the Vice-President— The National Insti- 
tution—Baltimore—The Sabbath— The aristocratic air of the place— Leave 
for Cumberland— Slavery — Harper's Ferry— Cumberland — The Alleghany 
Mountains- A Mirage on the Mountain— Brownville— The Monongahela— 
Scenery of the banks. 

We reached the city after dark, having travelled one hun- 
dred and eighty-four miles. We were met by the Rev. 
Thomas B. Sargent, who conducted me at once to my 
appointed place of abode, the residence of a widow lady 
of the name of Wilkins, with three or four daughters, and 
a great number of black servants. This lady, I found' had 
entertained the Rev. Richard Reece, Dr. Hannah, Dr. New- 
ton ; and, in fact, all our brethren who had visited the 
States as a deputation from England. She evidently re- 
tained a very pleasant recollection of these visits. Her 
eulogies of the venerable and Rev. Richard Recce were 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 53 

perfectly enthusiastic. His fine person, urbanity, piety, 
and labours, had left a deep impression on her mind. Nor 
had the excellent qualities of the other brethren been less 
cherished. Indeed, they were recollected with great ad- 
miration by all. The eloquent labours of Dr. Newton will 
not lose their impression at Baltimore, nor indeed at any 
other place he visited, during the existence of the present 
generation. They are engraven indelibly on the hearts of 
many hundreds and thouands of grateful and admiring 
people. Dr. Hannah was a young man at the time of his 
visit ; but many of the preachers especially speak of his 
sermons as amongst the best and most finished specimens 
of pulpit eloquence they ever heard. I found, indeed, that 
the ministrations of all my predecessors had left a most 
happy fragrance behind. Their memory is cherished, their 
services affectionately appreciated, their mission honoured, 
the bonds of brotherhood strengthened, and the character 
of England, as well as English Methodism, is judged of 
by these specimens of the manners and spirit of the father- 
land. It became evident to me, that the religious public, 
our own people at least, are not disposed to take their 
cue of England from newspapers, political sources, or the 
disputes of diplomacy ; but from the men of their own 
community who may be sent over, and from the general 
body of Methodists. 

I had known Mr. Sargent in both England and Ireland, 
on his visit to this country, as the companion of Bishop 
Soule. His fine spirit had lost none of its elasticity, or 
depth of affection. His recollections of our country, of 
the men he had met with, of the conference, of any, the 
least, attention which had been shown him, and the plea- 
sures which fell in his way, all lived, most vividly, in his 
warm and ardent mind. It is delightful to meet with such 
specimens of Christianized human nature. I blush to 
think of the affection and kindness he manifested to me. 
It embraced everything. It seemed to be the entire busi- 



64 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

ness of his life, for the time being, to make my visit as 
agreeable, as instructive, as profitable, as possible. The 
charm such a spirit throws over everything enhances its 
loveliness ten-fold. It puts life, vivacity, delight, and joy, 
as well as piety, into the most ordinary transactions ; and 
seems to add grace and beauty to every subject of con- 
versation, to every object seen. It is a kind of music in 
the midst of the solitudes of nature ; a joyous fragrance 
intermingled with her productions ; sunshine thrown upon 
all things on earth. To meet with such a man is worth 
crossing the Atlantic ; and to have made his friendship, 
gives a new zest to life, and increases one's hope of aug- 
mented happiness in immortality. 

This dear friend soon fell in with my desires to see 
Washington the next day, and made instant arrangements 
to accompany me there. My travelling companions, the 
Rev. J. Porter, and Mr. Creamer, agreed also to be of the 
party ; and we set out by the first train for the capital. 
The distance is forty miles, which we soon reached. We 
had six or eight hours to remain, feeling obhged to return 
the next day, which was Sunday, when I had engaged to 
preach in Baltimore. *' What can be done in seeing the 
metropolis of a great republic in six or eight hom*s ?" some 
one will say. Let us see. 

But before we proceed, it may be as well to remark, 
that this capital is very unlike London, or any metropoli- 
tan city of any of the nations of Europe, indeed, of many 
of the older cities of the New World itself. It is a great 
unfinished village, laid out on a magnificent scale, but re- 
maining for completion. The points of attraction are, con- 
sequently, few, and easily reached. 

The following account of Washington is, in the main, so 
accurate, that we cannot do better than insert it : — 

" The city is laid out on a plan of great magnitude, and 
will, if the design of the founders be carried out, and their 
anticipations realized, be a magnificent memorial of the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 65 

great man from whom it is named, and a city, the gigantic 
proportions of which shall harmonize with the power and 
extent of the mighty republic of which it is the capital. 
The ground on which the city is built has an elevation, for 
the most part, of about forty feet above the level of the 
river. The streets cross each other at right angles, those 
running north and south being intersected by others run- 
ning east and west. The different parts of the city are 
connected by broad avenues. When the intersection of 
these avenues with each other and with the streets would 
form many acute angles, rectangular or circular spaces are 
left. The avenues and principal streets radiate from im- 
portant public points, and are from one hundred and thirty 
to one hundred and sixty feet wide. The former are 
named after the States of the Union ; the latter, beginning 
at the capitol, are ranged in the order of the letters of the 
alphabet; as A North and A South, B North and B South, 
&c. ; and east and west, they are designated by numbers, 
as 1st East, 1st West, (fee. Pennsylvania avenue, from the 
capitol to the President's house, is the most compactly 
built, and much the handsomest, thoroughfare in the city. 
Of the avenues, five radiate from the capitol, and five others 
from the mansion of the president ; thus affording these 
prominent places the readiest communication with all parts 
of the city. 

*' Of the public buildings of Washington, the capitol, 
situated near the centre of the city-plot, on Capitol Hill, 
is the most splendid. This edifice, in its ample propor- 
tions, in the style and execution of its architecture, and in 
its embellishments, both exterior and interior, is believed 
not to be inferior to any senate-house in the world. Elevated 
seventy-two feet above tide-water, it affords a command- 
ing view of the city and the surrounding country. From 
its immense size, and its elevated position, it is the first ob- 
ject that fixes our attention on approaching the city. The 
building, which is of freestone, occupies an area of more 



56 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

than an acre and a half. Including the wings, the front 
is three hundred and fifty-two feet in length, and the depth 
of the wings is one hundred and twenty-one feet. The 
projection on the east or main front, including the 
steps, is eighty-five feet wide; and that on the west, 
with the steps, is eighty-three feet. The projection on 
the east front is ornamented with a splendid portico 
of twenty-two lofty Corinthian columns ; and a portico 
of ten columns in the same style adorns the west pro- 
jection. In grandeur of design, and beauty of execu- 
tion, the portico in the eastern front has no superior. To 
the top of the dome, the height of the building is one hun- 
dred and twenty feet ; the rotunda in the middle of the 
building, under the dome, is ninety-five feet in diameter, 
and the same in height. From the cupola which crowns 
this apartment, there is a fine view of the city and sur- 
rounding countiy. The walls of the rotunda are adorned 
with magnificent paintings by Trumbull, the figures being 
as large as life. These fine national pictures represent in- 
teresting incidents in American history, — the Presentation 
to Congress of the Declaration of Independence ; the sur- 
render of Burgoyne ; surrender of Cornwallis ; and Wash- 
ington resigning his Commission. Congress has recently 
further enriched the rotunda by the addition of two fine 
paintings, — the Baptism of Pocahontas, by Chapman, and 
the Embarkation of the Pilgrims, by Weir. This room is 
also adorned with sculptures, in alto relievo, representing 
the rescue of Smith by the interposition of Pocahontas ; 
the landing of the Pilgrims ; Daniel Boone's conflict with 
Indians ; and Penn treating with the Indians at Coaquenac. 
To other attractions of the rotunda has lately been added, 
Greenough's splendid statue of Washington, a colossal 
figure, in a sitting posture, twice as large as life. The 
hbrary-room of the west of the rotunda is ninety-two feet 
by thirty-four, and thirty-six feet high, and contains up- 
wards of twenty-eight thousand volumes. There is here 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 5l 

also a valuable collection of historical medals, designed by 
Denon, the Egyptian traveller; and paintings, statuary, 
medallions, &c., are distributed about the room. The 
senate-chamber, in the northern wing, is seventy-eight feet 
long, and forty-five high, and of a semicircular form. The 
vice-president's chair has a canopy of rich crimson dra- 
pery, held by the talons of an eagle. In front of the vice- 
president's chair is a light bronze gallery, chiefly appro- 
priated to ladies. Above and behind the chair is a gallery, 
supported by fine Ionic columns of variegated marble, 
from the Potomac. The walls richly ornamented with 
stucco, the magnificent chandelier, the gorgeous lamps and 
furniture, <fec., give the room an imposing appearance. 
Adjoining the senate-chamber, is the office of the secretary 
of the Senate. Under this room is the apartment in which 
the Supreme Court holds its sittings. It is nearly as large 
as the senate-chamber, but is much less elegant. The hall 
of the House of Representatives, in the south wing, is 
semicircular, like the senate-chamber, but larger, being 
ninety-six feet long and sixty feet high. The dome of the 
hall is supported by twenty-four beautiful columns of the 
Potomac marble, with capitals of Italian marble, of the 
Corinthian order. The seats are so arranged that the 
members face the Speaker, whose chair is considerably 
elevated above the floor, and approached by avenues that 
radiate from the chair as a centre. A gallery for men sur- 
rounds the circular wall opposite the Speaker ; and that 
appropriated to ladies is in the chord of the arc at the 
back of the Speaker's chair. The room is ornamented, 
like the senate-chamber, with fine statuary and paintings, 
and its whole appearance is imposing and elegant." 

Such is the capitol. Some persons look upon objects 
of art as connoisseurs, having some knowledge of its pro- 
ductions ; others judge of everything merely by such sense 
and feeling as nature alone supplies. There are advan- 
tages and disadvantages in both cases. The connoisseur 

3* 



58 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

will be able to detect flaws, blemishes, and beauties, which 
the other will not be able to see ; but the latter will be 
capable of a true impression, as a whole, which the critical 
taste of the former may prevent. Without any pretensions 
to be a connoisseur, we may be allowed to refer to such 
impressions as these various objects made at the time. 

Some of the pictures were found to be very impressive, 
from the grandeur of the ideal. I was struck with what 
seemed to me to be a very delicate design in the picture 
representing the surrender of Cornwallis. Washington is 
placed in the back-ground, on horseback, at a considerable 
distance, looking on with intense interest, while an inferior 
officer approaches the British commander, for the purpose 
of receiving his sword. But, when near, instead of de- 
manding the sword, he is seen stretching out his hand, and 
offering it in friendship and peace to the vanquished general : 
the effect is irresistible. Cornwallis is subdued ; serenity 
and benignity beam in his countenance, and the two ene- 
mies meet as brothers. The surrender of his sword, by 
General Burgoyne, is perfectly different. The American 
officer is seen approaching in an imperious and commanding 
attitude ; and Burgoyne is represented as giving up his 
sword under the influence of tumultuous passions, resent- 
ment, pride, and contempt, though conquered. Such is 
the fate of war. Here are two high-minded soldiers, the 
pride and glory of the British army and nation, surrender- 
ing themselves and their glories to men, no doubt, whom, 
when they took the field, they considered a despicable foe ; 
probably, not as soldiers at all. Great issues turned on 
these two events, — the independence of America, and the 
humiliation of Encrland. 

The pictures of the embarkation and landing of the Pil- 
grims are exquisitely impressive. In the first, the minister 
of the church in Holland, the Rev. John Robinson, who 
could not sail with the first expedition, on account of the 
duty of taking care of the flock left behind, is seen in the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 59 

attitude of prayer, bare-headed, with outstretched hands, 
and eyes hfted up to heaven. At a short distance there 
sits a venerable figure, the personification of calm, contem- 
plative, abstract, and believing piety, — his hand resting on 
the pages of an open Bible, through whose sacred teaching 
he appears to be looking into the invisible, the future, the 
divine, with unruffled composure and hope. A little in the 
back-ground the form of a matronly female (a real character 
who distinguished herself greatly by her piety and forti- 
tude) is exhibited in the costume of the times, attending, 
with profound and reverent looks and feelings, upon these 
devotions. Groups of children and young people hang 
around, with a mixture of awe, surprise, hope, and youthful 
joy, depicted in their countenances. I never saw religion 
materialized so perfectly as in this picture : it cost an effort 
to get away. All the graces may be said to have their 
type in this canvass. Wisdom, devotion, faith, meekness, 
love, courage, hope, all beam in those heaven-illumined 
countenances. They appear as if they had some fore- 
thought, some prescience, of their great destiny. Any 
looker-on would think that they were either dressed in 
their bridal robes for the " wedding-supper of the Lamb," 
or that they were under the influence of some extraordinary 
inspiration, preparing them for great and glorious Avork. 
The artist seems most fully to have caught and compre- 
hended the morale of that greatest event in American 
history. 

The picture of the Baptism of Pocahontas, an Indian 
princess, is very striking ; and, coupled with her marriage 
to an English gentleman, is an interesting historical fact. 
She is represented in a kneeling posture, while the venerable 
clergyman is performing the rite. Her figure is beautiful, 
her face interesting, and the whole effect is exquisitely im- 
pressive. Poor Indians ! Had this laudable beginning of 
the admixture of the races been continued, how different 
would have been their fate ! 



60 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Some of the alto relievos are very fine. One, which 
represents Daniel Boone's conflict with an Indian, disputing, 
in fact, for the dominion of Ohio, is fearful. The passions 
of the savage Avarrior are exhibited to the life, in dreadful 
ferocity. The two men are wrestling in personal combat ; 
and each is employing the weapons of their respective 
modes of attack and defence. The catastrophe is not 
given ; but, of course, the child of nature, the lord of the 
forest, was obliged to yield to the white man, — a distressing 
emblem of an historical fact. The passions, the ferocity, 
the undying resolution, the tenacious grasp, the courage of 
that Indian chief, and his fall, were only representative of 
the dispositions and of the doom of their race. They strug- 
gled, as he struggled, through the long years of their 
eventful story ; and as he fell beneath the blows of his 
antagonist, so their nations and tribes fell before the aggres- 
sions of a superior foe. 

While we were examining these works of art, it was 
announced that the Senate had broken up. This was occa- 
sioned by information just brought from the city, that one 
of their numbei', a Mr. Ashley, was dying. We hastened 
to the Senate-House ; and to me it seemed a great disaster, 
as I desired to hear some of the members in this first 
assembly in the United States, In some respects it was 
an advantage, hoAvever, inasmuch as it gave us an oppor- 
tunity of entering the body of the hall, and holding per- 
sonal intercourse Avith many of the members. Our friend 
Mr. Sheer,* AA'ho seemed perfectly at home Avith the 
senators, kncAV them all, and appeared to be much respected, 
introduced me to many ; telling them avIio I was, and in- 
forming them of the nature of my mission to the States. 
They all shook me cordially by the hand, welcomed me 
into their country, and expressed the hope that I should 
be pleased and gratified. Among the gentlemen to Avhom 
I was thus introduced, Avere General Cass, Colonel Benton, 

* One of the chaplains of Congress. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 61 

General Foote, Colonel Davis, Captain Fremont, Mr. Cal- 
houn, and many others. Of course, I looked with some 
attention upon General Cass, many of whose violent and 
belligerent speeches against this country, in connexion with 
the boundary and Oregon questions, I had read ; and, 
moreover, who was then understood to be a candidate for 
the office of President. He is a stout, athletic man, about 
the middle size, but, for an American, rather corpulent 
and sanguiferous in his appearance ; and, if his physiognomy 
did not greatly deceive me, he is a man of strong passions, 
capable, one would say, of being exalted into the furioso. 
His keen eye turned upon me, as I imagined, with a some- 
what sinister glance ; and, after a few remarks of no im- 
portance, he seemed glad to get away. Colonel Davis had 
been wounded in the Mexican war ; was just recovering, 
but limped very much. This officer had greatly distin- 
guished himself, but seemed, by his modesty, to be uncon- 
scious of his own fame. We had considerable conversation 
with this gentleman about Mexico and the war; and he 
showed himself to be a most amiable and well-informed 
man. Captain Fremont, who is the son-in-law of Colonel 
Benton, is a first-rate man. He conducted two or three 
scientific expeditions, for the purpose of exploring various 
portions of Oregon, California, and the Rocky Mountains, 
and making observations on altitudes, levels, rivers, soils, 
mountains, &g. His reports of these journeys, now in my 
possession, are most interesting and able productions. But 
he showed, in one of these missions, that the man of science 
can also become the man of war. Believing that a certain 
course would be favourable to the political interests of his 
country, he laid aside the sextant for the sword ; and it 
was very much owing to his exertions that California be- 
came American. 

But we had most conversation with Mr. Calhoun. This 
distinguished senator is now in the autumn of life, — the leaf 
is yellow. He is tall and thin, with an upright and erect 



62 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

bearing. His face is full of intelligence, of the sharp and 
acute kind ; he looks as if it would be perfectly natural 
and easy in him to catch a boor while bungling in his logic, 
and quite as easy to trip up his heels. With a visage 
somewhat elongated, pale, after the American fashion, there 
beams a keen eye, not devoid, however, of benignity, sur- 
mounted by a good, square, but not very lofty brow, with 
snow-white hair, turned back after the clerical fashion. We 
spent considerable time in the body of the hall in conver- 
sation with this gentleman. He seemed anxious respecting 
our country, and European affairs in general ; and urged 
the usual questions respecting the Chartist riots, the state 
of Ireland, the prospects of a revolution, and all the rest. 
The customary answers were given. I came from the pre- 
sence of Mr. Calhoun with the impression that I had seen 
and conversed with a really great man ; one of the first, if 
not the very first, I had met with in the United States. I 
was grieved not to hear him speak. He had just been 
delivering an interesting speech on a message that morning 
received from the President on a very important subject. 
However, as we were not permitted to hear, we were much 
pleased to see, so distinguished a citizen and statesman. 

The House of Representatives were in session, and we 
hastened from this conversation to listen to the debates^ 
The President had that morning sent a message to the 
two Houses, recommending a military intervention in the 
affair of the Yucatan civil war, then raginof between the 
Indians and the people of Spanish descent. This promised 
to be an interesting topic. We heard some five or six 
gentlemen deliver their sentiments. Their mode of debate 
seemed peculiar. Very little was said on the merits of the 
question ; almost all the speakers arguing on constitutional 
points, as to how the matter could be rightly disposed of, 
how it could be made to agree with this and the other 
rule of the House, and the provisions of the law. This, of 
course, prevented all effusions of eloquence, all fine bursts 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 63 

of feeling, all argument on the real question. A dry detail 
of opinion on the subjects mooted was nearly all we heard. 
One gentleman, indeed, Mr. Joseph Ingersoll, was impas- 
sioned and eloquent, and indicated that he was in posses- 
sion of considerable powers of debate. There sat in the 
chair one of the Winthrops. Honoured name ! Descended 
from a good stock ; the first, one of the fathers of America, 
and his descendants among the most virtuous and patriotic 
of the citizens. It is delifjhtful to see talent and virtue 
hereditary ; and the expectation and belief were expressed, 
that the present worthy Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives would some day be the President of the United 
States. 

From thus examining the capitol, conversing with the 
senators, and listening to the members of the House of 
Representatives, we hastened to the President's house, to 
see if we could gain access, and be favoured with an inter- 
view with the first magistrate of the republic. 

On our arrival we met with a black man, the only servant 
of the President we saw ; and, on asking whether it would 
be possible to obtain an interview, he said he saw no diffi- 
culty in the case, but would inquire. He went, with Mr. 
Sheer's compliments, and soon returned with a message 
that the President would be very happy to see us. We were 
ushered, not into a drawing-room, or state-apartment, but 
into a business office, with desks, tables, pens and ink, 
bundles of state-papers, and books on business. And there 
stood to receive us, to shake us by the hand, to bid us 
welcome, the chief of the greatest republic, if not the 
greatest state, in the world. He accosted us very kindly, 
and bade us be seated, at the same time resuming his own 
chair. 

My embarrassment left me in a moment. I had felt 
some little trepidation at the idea of being brought into 
contact with a man so high in station. His demeanour, 
however, soon dissipated this feeling. There was no state 



64 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

etiquette observed, no ceremonies but such as common 
courtesy demanded, and might be performed by the plainest 
person ; no court dress, no cocked hat, no sword and sash, 
no bowing the knee, no kissing of hands, and, moreover, no 
peer of tlic realm, or officer of the court, necessary to gain 
an introduction : a black boy, to obtain his master's assent, 
and to show us the way, seemed all that was expected. 
With our European notions, this did not really look like an 
introduction to the head of a mighty nation. Truly this 
American republicanism must either be considered as a 
great retrogression into the ages of social simplicity, when 
shepherds and farmers left their flocks and ploughs to 
command armies and govern states, and then returned to 
their avocations ; or else it must be considered as a vast 
stretch into the future, the anticipation of something to 
come, the model of a perfectly new order of things. It is 
most assuredly not identical with w^hat has been, and con- 
tinues to be, in the Old World. Is this simplicity agreeable 
to nature, to common sense, to the truth of things ? I con- 
fess, these questions puzzled me at the time, and continue 
still to puzzle me. There is a fascination, a charm, about 
royalty, greatness, courts, presentations, and all the em- 
broidery connected with these things, which make it 
difficult for one to think that there is no reahty in them, — 
that they can be done without. So much of power, of influ- 
ence, of government, have stood connected with the old 
names, and insignia of thrones and courts, that many of us 
cannot dispossess our minds of the idea that there is great 
use, though we may not know how, in these external ac- 
companiments of states. 

Here, then, we were, four Methodist preachers, and one 
merchant, snugly ensconced in a government office, a sort 
of counting-house, with President Polk, one of the greatest 
men, by position, in the world ! Who could forget some 
of the documents w^hich had issued from this centre of 
power, this heart of American diplomacy ? Decrees had 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 65 

been framed here which had thrilled through the body- 
politic in every part of the world, producing mighty- 
palpitations of heart, and convulsive throes ! Who could 
forget some of President Polk's own " messages," directed 
from this very desk, and carried probably by the black boy 
to their destinations ? The policy and messages of this 
very President have produced strange emotions. They 
once filled Great Britain, if not with consternation, yet, at 
any rate, with indignation ; they put the Parliament of 
England into a ferment, and called forth the impassioned 
eloquence of men of all parties ; they made it expedient to 
employ the diplomatic skill of Lord Ashburton,* esteemed, 
at the time, one of the most sagacious peers of the realm ; 
they led to treaties but little relished, and much condemned 
by some of the best sons of the British empire ; and they 
resulted in the political exaltation, strength, and aggran- 
dizement of America. Some of these messages, moreover, 
moved the military forces of the republic, by land and sea, 
to the invasion of Mexico ; to the victories of Taylor and 
Scott ; to the spoiling of a feeble people ; and led to the 
annexation to the States of a territory, but little, if at all, 
inferior to the whole of Europe. These are some of the 
effects produced by the decrees sent forth from this place, 
with the signature of this plain little man. Things are not 
then to be estimated by the appearance. The room is com- 
mon, but it is the centre of mighty forces; the President 
appears destitute of the forms of majesty, but possesses 
its reality ; the missiles lying about are not artillery, swords, 
and helmets, but they move, they shake the world. 

And what of President Polk himself? He is small 
of stature, and the opposite of corpulent. There is some- 
what of a cadaverous and American look about him ; but 
he is grave, thoughtful, meditative, and slow and mea- 
sured in his speech. A thin face is surmounted by a 
fine brow, and his features indicate great decision and 

* [The Ashburton treaty was made under Tyler's administration, not Polk's.] 



66 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

unconquerable firmness. President Polk's demeanour is 
perfectly simple, his conversation natural and easy, his 
dress plain, after the American fashion, and his whole 
contour irresistibly reminds one of the venerable Puritans. 
In the course of a lengthened conversation, besides the 
matters relating to the Chartists, the Irish, and other 
general questions, two or three points of great consider- 
ation were introduced. Some one having mentioned the 
necessity of American intervention in the affairs of Yucatan, 
in agreement with the President's message of the morn- 
ing-, it was added, " If we do not interfere, some one of the 
European powers will ;" referring to England. The Pre- 
sident promptly remarked, " But we will not let them ;" 
and then added, " We do not meddle in European affahs, 
and we will not allow them to intermeddle in American." 
Here is a political axiom for Lord John Russell and his 
successors in office to meditate upon, a difficulty to solve ! 
James Monroe's principle of " America for the Americans," 
has been fully adopted by President Polk. It was, indeed, 
no mystery before ; it had been proclaimed in many of his 
state-documents, and was here unequivocall}^ asserted. 
Well, but Canada, and the British provinces ! These are in 
America, they constitute a portion of its territory, they are 
in the possession of an independent power ; and this pre- 
supposes political rights and duties on the part of Great 
Britain. Does the fact that these possessions are colonies, 
and not independent states, deprive the parent state of the 
right to interfere in general questions ? This seems to be 
the notion, the dogma, assumed. Time must solve this 
point. It was also said by some one respecting the Mexi- 
can war, that the American armies might as well have 
finished the work of conquest, and taken the entire coun- 
try, as they would certainly possess it some day. To this 
the President replied, " Ah, but the apple is not yet ripe !" 
" Not yet ripe !" Who does not see the meaning of this ? 
When it is " ripe," it will fall. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 67 

The black boy came to announce his master's dinner ; 
we made our bows, shook hands, and parted. 

Our indefatigable friend, Mr. Slicer, had not yet satisfied 
his own kind intentions ; and took us at once to the Vice- 
President's room. We gained an easy access. Here we 
found one of the most handsome men it was ever my plea- 
sure to see. Vice-President Dallas is somewhat beyond 
middle life. He possesses a fine and engaging person ; a 
countenance perfectly ruddy and blooming, an unusual 
thing in an American ; dark eyes, bright as the morning 
and evening stars ; his brow is good and spacious, with hair 
white as snow. We remained here about half an hour, 
talking on the usual European and American topics. This 
gentleman had the kindness to present me with a copy of 
Hickey's " Constitution of the United States," writing his 
name in the title-page, together with a large bundle of 
state-papers, prepar<-d by order of Congress, on the subject 
of Mexico and Caliioinia. 

From the rooms of the Vice-President we went to visit 
the Patent-Office. The large upper room is two hundred 
and seventy-five feet in length, and sixty-five feet wide, 
which is appropriated to the collections of the National 
Institution. Here was a most superb collection of plants, 
minerals, and specimens of the American animal kingdom. 
The enormous birds, serpents, and animals of South 
America exhibited in this room, are most remarkable. 
But the two things which attracted most of my attention 
were, a collection of bugs, and General Washington's 
camp-equipage. Being somewhat personally interested in 
the first, on the ground of old acquaintance' sake, they could 
not be regarded but with some emotion. The prodigious 
size of some of these creatures is frightful. They are more 
like reptiles than anything else. The idea of having these 
monstrous vermin in bed, crawling about, and sucking 
one's blood, is perfectly horrifying. Their "local habi- 
tation" is in the hot and simny south : had they found 



68 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

a home in the north, I should have had ample expe- 
rience of their nocturnal visits ; — bad enough as it was, 
but the warfare of the night must have been ten times 
worse, if these soutliern gentry could have lived in the 
recfions I visited. 

The camp -equipage of Washington is entire. His mili- 
tary costume, his tea-kettle, his gridiron, and all the rest 
of the utensils employed in the camp-life of the general, are 
sacredly preserved. And here hang the very coat, vest, 
small-clothes, boots, spurs, sword and belt, of the great 
patriot ! The identical clothes he wore when com- 
manding the forces of his country, gaining the victories of 
independence, establishing the nationality of the colonies, 
and paving the Avay for a new order of things in the world, 
are kept as relics, with as much care as a saint's coat in a 
Popish church. Who could look upon these things with- 
out deep feeling? The country is studded with his statues; 
but I confess I could not view these effio-ies of Washins^ton 
with the same feelings as possessed me when standing be- 
fore the mute, but in some sort speaking, costume and 
habiliments of war which he had actually Avorn. It seemed 
as if his ov.'n spirit were present, though unseen. Is this 
feehng superstition ? Does hero-worship originate in this 
class of sensations ? The Americans next to adore, with 
reason, the founder and father of his country. So pure, 
so disinterested, so exalted a patriot never adorned the an- 
nals of time. Moreover, he is believed to have been a 
true Christian. His whole career is said to have been mixed 
with much prayer. He was known to have retired to the 
woods, away from the bustle of the camp, on all emergen- 
cies, to acknowledge and seek direction from God. His 
great battles were always so prefaced ; and the more press- 
ing the emergency and desperate the state of affairs, the 
more he was observed to frequent the solitudes of nature 
for purposes of devotion. Bishop Asbury says, on occa- 
sion of his death, "At all times he acknowledged the pro- 



PART 1. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 69 

vidence of God, and never was ashamed of his Redeemer : 
we beheve he died not fearing death. In his will he or- 
dered the manumission of his slaves — a true son of liberty 
in all points." How different a character is Washington 
to such charlatans as Bonaparte, and men of his class ! and 
how equally different the issue of their work ! Had he 
lived in the times when greatness in men was thought to 
be divine, and they, in consequence, were deified ; had 
shrines erected to their honour, and became objects of 
popular adoration— had Washington lived in these times, 
he would have been the god of America. As it is, he is their 
model-man. If they cultivate his spirit, adhere to his maxims, 
imitate his moderation, and preserve and work out his wise 
and judicious theories of government, they must prosper. 

We turned our backs on the city bearing the name of 
this wonderful man, and which was projected by his ge- 
nius, with deep feeling. We had collected ample material 
for reflection. The things and the men there seen, were 
not likely to be lost sight of: they could not, they never 
can, be forgotten. Our good friend, the chaplain, pressed 
me very urgently to remain over the Sabbath, and take his 
place by preaching to the Congress. This I should gladly 
have done, but had engaged to officiate in Baltimore. We 
arrived in that city late in the evening, well repaid for our 
day's excursion. 

The Sabbath came ; as bright and glorious a day as ever 
dawned on earth. It was the first I had fully spent in 
America, and brought with it the rest and spiritual exer- 
cises I had long sighed to enjoy. I preached twice, to 
large and apparently very serious and devout congrega- 
tions. Here I felt quite at home, among om* own people, 
just the same as in England. This was very different to 
the promiscuous and mixed groups I had to address on 
board ship. The worship was solemn, spiritual, and holy ; 
God was, as we trust, present, and the people " shouted 
aloud for joy." 



70 lOUR IN AMEIUCA. 

In the course of the day we visited two or three Roman 
Catholic places of worship, and among the rest the Cathe- 
dral, a splendid building, full of fine paintings. Here I 
saw, for the first and only time of my life, the railroad 
principle applied to the purposes of worship. There was 
provided a tram-road to wheel round the pulpit, from some 
convenient nook, which was its common resting-place, to 
the centre of the building, where the officiating minister 
might stand and obtain a commanding position for address- 
ing the people. Nothing comes amiss to Papists ; they 
have the adroitness to press everything into the service of 
the church. It can be no matter of surprise, if, at some 
time, they employ steam-power to work their machinery, 
to ring their bells, to shift and move the scenery of their 
dramatic exhibitions ; and to work the innumerable springs, 
pulleys, and wires of their scenic worship. And, for aught 
we can see, the mummeries of the system might as well be 
worked by steam as by living men : as no soul is required, 
the element of liquid smoke might serve perfectly, and save 
money. 

Whether from the power of association, or the reality 
of things, I know not, but I liked Baltimore as much, or 
more, than any city I saw in America. It is, indeed, a 
beautiful place. The houses are fine, spacious, and ele- 
gant. There is, moreover, an air of aristocracy, which is 
seldom to be met with. It is clear enouofh that aristocrats 
reside in this place ; and although the Americans decry 
this class of men constantly, yet there is certainly some- 
thing about a people, and institutions, of the aristocratic 
cast, which gives the impression of superior dignity. We 
were now, indeed, in one of the slave-holding States ; and 
from the specimen given in this and other places visited, 
it is pretty apparent, that the system of slavery tends to 
produce this spirit. Indeed, the slave-holder, in despite of 
the prejudices against the name, exhibits all the charac- 
teristics of a perfect feudal aristocracy. As I imderstood. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 71 

liis house is, generally, in the case of the wealthy classes, 
a complete palace ; princely in its dimensions, its furniture, 
its ornaments, and its luxuries. How can it be otherwise, 
with a man who is the lord of a great number, not of 
vassals, but of slaves ? These poor creatures are the abso- 
lute property of the master, obedient to his behests, the 
panderers to his passions and appetites, and in all things 
the servants of his caprices. The young gentlemen and 
ladies, brought up in the midst of slavery, learn, as early 
as they are capable of authority, imperiously to command 
the service of the menials of their father. They stir not 
without their attendance ; they are waited upon in the 
most trivial matters ; they are fanned when the weather is 
hot, and guarded in the most assiduous manner from the 
approach of the buzzing insect ; while all their wants are, 
if possible, more than anticipated by the black slaves. 
What is all this, if not feudal aristocracy, in its most re- 
volting features ? The lords of the European nations, when 
the institution existed in its most perfect glory, were never 
in so transcendental a state of power as these gentlemen. 
Their vassals, though low enough in the scale of humanity, 
were not so dea^raded as these Africans. The rio-ht of the 
seigneurs of Europe to exact the services of their serfs, 
never amounted to the absolute dominion of the slave- 
holder. Probably the rule of the Roman Catholic Church, 
which at first, and for many subsequent years, was para- 
mount in this place, had something to do with this aristo- 
cratic character. The first colonists, as is well known, 
were of the Roman Catholic persuasion ; and hence the 
cathedral, and other splendid churches, are now among 
the chief ornaments of the city. Sir John Calvert, after- 
wards Lord Baltimore, from whom the city takes its name, 
was in early fife a Protestant ; but afterwards, embracing 
the Romish faith, became the means of estabhshing that 
system of religion extensively in the colony. The present 
prelate is an American, the first ever appointed to the see ; 



72 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

it having long been the pohcy of the Popes to select foreign- 
ers, generally Irishmen. 

Baltimore is sometimes called " the Monumental City," 
by reason of the number of statues it contams. " The 
Washino-ton Monument, at the intersection of Charles and 
Monument streets, is a noble specimen of architecture, 
both in desio-n and execution. Built on an eminence one 
hundred feet above tide-water, it rises majestically abo\e 
the city, at once forming its noble embellishment, and a 
conspicuous landmark to travellers and voyagers. The 
monument consists of a Doric column, rising from a base 
of fifty feet square, and twenty high. Its height is one 
hundred and eighty feet, including the statue of Washing- 
ton, which is sixteen feet. The base is ascended by a 
flight of twenty-eight steps ; the ascent to the summit is 
by a winding staircase, or flight of two hundred steps. 
The cost of the monument, including the statue, was 
200,000 dollars." This is, indeed, a noble pillar. The 
above description, though, no doubt, accurate in detail, 
gives but an inadequate notion of the majestic appearance 
of this splendid work of art. 

Heroes are not likely to be forgotten in America, any 
more than elsewhere. We have another called Battle 
Monument, erected to the memory of those who fell de- 
fending the city in September, 1814, at the corner of Cal- 
vert and Fayette streets. " The square sub-base on which 
the pedestal, or column, rests, rises twenty feet from the 
ground, with an Egyptian door on each front, on which 
are appropriate inscnptions, in hasso relievo, of some of the 
incidents of the battle. The column rises eio-hteen feet 
above the base. This, which is of marble, in the form of 
Roman fasces, is enriched by bands, in which are inscribed, 
in letters of gold, the names of those whose memory and 
patriotic valour the monument is designed to commemo- 
rate. The column is surmounted by a female figure, in 
marble, emblematic of the citv of Baltimore. The whole 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 73 

height is fifty-two feet." Sucli are some of the architec- 
tural ornaments of this city. But none of them equal the 
Popish cathedral. This, in point of fact, is the true monu- 
ment of the place; and as far as such things are concerned, 
its distinction and glory. It reminds one of home, of 
Europe, more than anything I saw in the United States ; 
and tends to give this city a peculiarly European appear- 
ance. Such are the types of time. America is pre-emi- 
nently, in its whole appearance, the emblem, the type, of 
modern ideas ; but there is just one memorial of the past, 
of a defunct age. In the midst of the simple forms of re- 
publicanism, the activity of commercial life, the humble 
and unostentatious churches of Protestantism, the cathe- 
dral of Baltimore seems to stand as the catacomb, the 
mausoleum of departed ages ; and as a mighty fragment, 
a rock, separated by some great con^^llsion from surround- 
ing things. Nothing appears in unison ; it stands in soli- 
tude, in the midst of a vast population, having no sympa- 
thy to bestow, and receiving none from the young genera- 
tion around. 

On Monday morning. May 1st, we took an affectionate 
adieu of our dear friend Sargent, and the Baltimore people, 
and set out by the railroad for Cumberland. Our party 
had now increased. Besides Mr. Porter, we here met 
with Dr. Pierce, the representative from the South Metho- 
dist Church to the Pittsburgh Conference, Dr. Bond, the 
editor of the Christian Advocate in New- York, and a gen- 
tleman and his son, planters and slave-holders, from the 
Mississippi State, Methodists, and very agreeable persons. 
The assembling of these parties in the same vehicle was 
rather ominous ; nobody could tell to what it might lead, 
— whether the peace would be kept, or the tedium of our 
journey be relieved by a polemic war. The two doctors 
were amongst the heads and chiefs of the great controversy, 
which had been going on for the past four years, and 
which had ended in dividing the chm-ch ; the one by his 

4 



74 TO UK IN AMERICA. 

pen, and the other by his viva voce eloquence. They had 
been old friends ; and it was pleasing to see, that the un- 
dying instincts of Christian love soon gained the ascendant. 
The knotty questions in dispute were forgotten, or only 
referred to in general terms ; and the North and South, at 
any rate, in this journey, met without collision. 

Our route lay along a very interesting country, partly in 
the State of Maryland, and partly in Virginia. We beheld 
a great number of slaves at work in the fields ; the first I 
had seen at their degrading labours. They exhibited no 
life, no activity, in their occupation ; but seemed to drag 
themselves along, as if existence w^ere a weariness ; they 
plied their implements of industry, careless as to the 
amount of work done, or studious to do as little as possible. 
My companion, Mr. Porter, a stanch anti-slavery man, 
descanted on the deleterious effects of slavery on the soil 
itself; endeavouring to prove that Maryland and Virginia 
were worn out by this kind of cultivation. Whether it is 
so or not, I cannot pretend to determine ; but the whole 
country where these slaves were at work, has an extremely 
barren appearance. Such is the decree of God, that this 
enormous evil may wear itself out, and the planters be 
obliged to turn to the cultivation of such productions as 
may make it profitable to employ free labour. God ap- 
pears to curse with sterility the land cultivated by slaves. 
The planters, I was informed, were getting very poor ; and 
it was, apparently, becoming their interest to turn their at- 
tention to something else in the place of tobacco and the 
other productions on which slave-labour is chiefly em- 
ployed. We passed on, and soon lost sight of the hag- 
gard, dispirited, broken-hearted, oppressed slave. Those 
fields had witnessed the labour, the tears, the blood, of 
their race, for generations ; and, for aught which appears, 
must continue to witness the same miseries in their chil- 
dren, unless Heaven shall, in mercy, increase the intensity 
of his malediction, and render the countiy completely 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 75 

sterile. But would this be any relief ? No ; these poor 
wretches would be sold, and sent farther south; and if 
even the same fate should follow them into the Carolinas 
and Georgia, still there are Texas, Mexico, and California, 
to be peopled and cultivated by this unfortunate race. 
The evil seems to be indefinite, eternal. Provision has been 
made, designedly or otherwise, by the conquests of the 
States, for the progress of this scourge, for all time to 
come. 

Harper's Ferry, a curious phenomenon of nature, lay in 
our line, and as it was our dining-place, and the Americans 
not being so exact, as to time, as the railroad authorities 
in this country, I obtained an interval, which, though brief, 
enabled me to take a look at the scenery, in itself pre-em- 
inently grand. " Harper's Ferry is situated in Jefferson 
county, Virginia, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and 
Potomac rivers, at the passage yf these streams through 
the Blue Ridge, upwa.rds of one thousand two hundred 
feet in height. At this point, the two streams, in search 
of an outlet to the sea, and each, as it were, conscious of 
the insufficiency of its separate exertions to overcome the 
barrier that opposes its progress, united their waters, and, 
rushing in one impetuous current against the mountain, 
rent it asunder. Such, it is thought, was the origin of a 
scene which Mr. Jeff"erson has characterized as *one of 
the most stupendous in nature.' 

" The scenery is of the wildest and most majestic cha- 
racter. Jefferson's Rock, named after Mr. Jefferson, and 
the spot where he wrote a description of the place, in his 
* Notes on Virginia,' is a place of huge detached rocks, 
leaning over the steep cliffs of the Shenandoah, and look- 
ing into the mountain-gorge of the Potomac. Its top, al- 
most level, is twelve feet square ; its base, not exceeding 
five feet In width, rests upon the top of a large mass of 
rock jutting out from the hill. It is a wild ' eagles' nest,* 
which, as Jefferson truly declares, is worth a trip across the 



70 TO UK IN AMERICA. 

ocean to behold. It is not, however, equal to the enchant- 
ino- scene presented to the view from the opposite mountain, 
about a mile and a half up, on the Maryland side. From 
this the beholder surveys with admiration a large extent of 
country, fields, woodlands, and plantations ; whilst the 
beautiful Shenandoah, as it breaks upon the magic picture, 
appears like a series of beautiful lakes." 

Such is Harper's Ferry. It is very tantahzing to be 
within sight of a great object of curiosity, and not be able 
to reach it. This was our case. We Avere at the foot of 
this " rock," it stood towering above us ; and yet our time 
would not allow us to ascend. But so far as the slight 
glimpses which we could obtain, by running here and 
there to catch a bird's-eye view, the above appeared a 
tolerably correct description. And yet, after all, descrip- 
tive writing must always depend upon the vision, the brain, 
the nervous system, and tjie grouping powers of the obser- 
ver. Had we obtained our desired point of observation, 
no doubt, the prospect would have varied itself, in some 
degree, from the account given by other minds. 

In this journey our line lay, for many miles, along the 
meanderings of the beautiful Potomac. Nature, as if in 
bounty to man, had just left room enough for a road be- 
tween the banks of the river and very lofty and precipitous 
rocks. This made the route perfectly romantic, and the 
scenery beautifully picturesque and agreeable. The Ame- 
ricans have been charged with traveUing slowly by their 
trains. The mystery, hoAvever, was, that they could get on 
at all in the midst of the elbows, curves, and bends of this 
serpentine course ; and yet, with the difficulties of this zig- 
zag kind of movement, we reached Cumberland from Bal- 
timore, a distance of one hundred and seventy-eight miles, 
in about nine hours. 

Cumberland lies at the foot of the Alleghany moun- 
tains, which Ave had noAv to cross in "stages" in the night. 
I had determined to remain here till morning, being de- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. t7 

sirous of gaining as complete a view as possible of these 
lofty regions. But I was informed that the proprietors of 
the "stages" never ensured a passage, unless they could 
obtain the full complement of nine, this being the number 
which one of the coaches would accommodate ; and, like- 
wise, that it was perfectly uncertain as to whether there 
would, be any such number to cross the following day. 
Hence, no choice was left. I was unwilling to run the 
hazard of losing a day, and therefore preferred to mount 
the "stage," and cross the mighty barrier betwixt the east 
and the west. 

" The Alleghany Mountains, otherwise called the Appa- 
laches, from a tribe of Indians, who lived on the banks of 
the Appalachicola, (or Alleghany,) a river which proceeds 
from these mountains, are a part of that extensive range 
which is situated between the Atlantic, the Mississippi, and 
the lakes of North America ; and which runs in a direction 
from south-west to north-east, passing through the country 
of the United States, and giving origin to many rivers, that 
flow either into the Gulf of Mexico, or into the Western 
Ocean. As the Alleghany mountains form a principal part 
of the chain just alluded to, they often give their name to 
the whole group. This range commences in Georgia, 
stretches northward and eastward through the territory 
of Virginia, passes on in the same direction through Penn- 
sylvania and the northern countries, and terminates in the 
division of New-Brunswick. Its whole extent, according 
to Pinkerton, is not less than nine hundred geographical 
miles. As it approaches its termination, the mass rises in 
height ; the chief summits are in New-Hampshire, and are 
reported to be nearly eight thousand feet above the level 
of the ocean. Besides the main ridge, there are several 
others which are collateral to it, as the Iron or Bald Moun- 
tains, the White-Oak Mountains, and the Blue Mountains, 
— the Cumberland Mountains formino: the exterior skirt 
toward the north-west. The breadth of the whole is often. 



78 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

equal to seventy miles." This was about the breadth of the 
mountain where we passed. 

Our cavalcade consisted of six or eight stages, all well 
horsed and manned. On leaving Cumberland we instant- 
ly plunged into the midst of rocks and precipices, the 
road meandering its course among gullies and cataracts, 
and then again by the side of the rising mountain. The 
scene was unmixed forest ; for though the mountain, of 
coiu-se, consists of rock, yet, as is the case everywhere else, 
it was covered from the bottom to its most elevated sum- 
mit with noble trees. Havinsf two or three hours before 
night closed the prospect from our view, I had conse- 
quently that space to look upon the scene as we passed 
along. The impression was a very melancholy one, in exact 
agreement with the sombre aspect of all things around : — 
the stillness, the indefinite and mystic character of the 
forest, as if forming a sort of infinite labyrinth ; the stu- 
pendous rocks and precipices ; the moaning of the waters, 
as they rolled down the gullies, or dashed among the 
stones ; the wilderness itself, which seemed vocal with no 
note of bird or voice of man ; and then the gradual ap- 
proach of night, till the curtain dropped. This general 
gloom, I confess, produced in me the most melancholy 
sensations. This state of mind, however, is not unfavour- 
able to reflection. The forest taught its moral ! The trees 
appeared not in uniform life, verdure, and beauty. Great 
numbers lay prostrate on the ground in total decay, even 
their form nearly gone ; and mother earth seemed about 
again to receive to her embrace those noble forms of life 
which had been nursed at her bosom, and had been the 
ornaments of the forest in other years and centuries. Others 
had more recently fallen, and retained their perfect shape, 
though beginning to decompose and lose something of their 
texture as wood, and change into that of earth. Again, 
others, and that in greater numbers, had been riven, by 
time or the storm, from their grasp of the soil, and leaned 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 79 

upon their neighbours, younger and stronger than them- 
selves, for support. The space, however, was filled up ; 
no room was lost ; the generation now in their prime stood 
towering over the prostrate and decaying ; and innumerable 
young ones, of every age and size, filled every atom of soil 
left betwixt the living and the dead. Who could help 
thinking of human nature ? of the generations of the past, 
of the active spirits now occupying their place, soon to 
follow them ; of the young plants of humanity, so blooming, 
so beautiful, so sanguine, so full of hope and joy ; waiting 
for their turn, and impatient for the removal of the genera- 
tion standing in the way of their enterprise and ambition ? 
That forest was to me a lesson. It served to furnish matter 
for reflection in the darkness ; and as the sun retired, and 
hung around us the sable curtain of night, the moral seemed 
complete. 

Our long train of " stages," with their brilliant lamps, 
reflected by the foliage, presented a singular appearance, 
and not devoid of interest and beauty. It became very 
cold as we ascended the mountain, and we were glad to 
halt for supper. This was served, considering the character 
of the place, in very good style ; and, no doubt, we did it 
justice. After a good warming, we again renewed our 
journey. The road is designated " national," being pre- 
pared at the public expense ; but unpleasantly rough. The 
shaking and jolting, the up-and-down kind of exercise we 
had to endure, made sleep in my case quite out of the 
question. Hearing a remarkable noise as we proceeded, 
I inquired of my companions what it meant ; and was 
informed that it arose from the merry-making of frogs. 
The sound was not a croak, but a chirp, very much like that 
of crickets by our fire-sides, only much louder. For many 
miles the mountain was perfectly vocal with the music of 
these happy creatures. How good is God ! All things 
serve him in their season. This concert of froo-s broke 
the tedium of the journey and the gloom of night ; and it 



80 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

became my business to listen to this singular melody for 
several hours. 

All my companions, being accustomed to this kind of 
travelling, slept soundly ; but I '' watched for the morn- 
ing" with great desire. At length it came. We had 
reached the summit of the mountain, and were now begin- 
ning to descend. The sun rose ; and it was never my 
fortune to behold such a sunrise. As he ascended the 
skies, they appeared tinged by the most beautiful and va- 
riegated colours imaginable. They were clothed in the 
most gorgeous dress; the deep blue being relieved and 
diversified by banks of clouds, their edges being tinged with 
all the colours of the rainbow. But on looking out on my 
left hand, I saw something which I took to be a prodigious 
lake ; and, being surprised at so singular a phenomenon 
appearing on the top of a mountain, roused one of my fellow- 
travellers, and asked, " What lake is that on the left ?" 
He rubbed his eyes, and grumbled out, " I reckon there is 
no lake here." He closed them again, and I could obtain 
no information. I continued to gaze ; and felt certain that 
the object seen was the waters of a lake or sea, stretching 
to an indefinite extent, and losing itself in the distance. 
After ruminating in this uncertainty for some considerable 
time, it occurred to me that possibly it might be the 
MIRAGE, so often referred to by eastern travellers. So it 
turned out. We were at a great distance from either lake 
or sea ; but the sun had given the rising mist this peculiar 
appearance. No wonder that the pilgrims of the desert, 
in imagination, quenched their burning thirst, and plunged 
their weary limbs, in one of these illusive seas. Attracted 
by the promise of water, they rushed towards a blessing 
which retired as they approached, and left them still a 
prey to thirst and misery. Had it been my lot to command 
a steamer, or vessel of any kind, I should not have doubted 
for a moment that the sea I fancied I saw, would furnish 
depth and space enough for her navigation. Such are the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 81 

illusions of life ! A few moments sufficed to dissipate these 
vapoury deceptions ; it may, perchance, take a longer pe- 
riod to disenchant the soul of the haze around her beinsf, 
arising from the unreal objects of desire and hope ; but the 
time is certain to come when the mirage will be dissipated, 
and the mountain scenery of life, rough and rugged, will 
appear in its true character. 

But a more gorgeous deception awaited us. Turning 
my eyes to the other side of the mountain, I beheld another 
most magnificent spectacle. This arose from the agency 
of the same causes ; the mist lying on the side of the moun- 
tain, and the beams of the rising sun shining upon it. But 
in this instance his rays were not absorbed, but reflected, 
and the appearance was not that of water, but of fire. How 
shall a description of this wonderful scene be attempted ? 
We have no analogies. It was unlike anything ever beheld 
by me. Nothing either in the heavens or on the earth can 
furnish any terms of comparison or modes of illustration. 
The point of observation in surveying the beauties of the 
heavens is from below. We see all their glories over our 
heads. But in this case we were elevated above the phe- 
nomenon ; we did not look up, but down ; the magnificent 
spectacle lay at our feet, — like the mirage on the other side 
the mountain, — stretching to an indefinite distance. Again, 
this spectacle had not the appearance of mountains of 
clouds, heaped one upon another, variegated by tints and 
hues of many colours, their edges dipped in gold, and re- 
flecting every possible form of beauty ; it was uniform, 
presenting the same aspect and colour ; the intensity of its 
brightness seemed not to admit of variation, the one ele- 
ment swallowed up all inferior forms, and absorbed them 
in its own indi\'isible purity and lustre. The arch of heaven, 
the rainbow, the rising and setting sun, the brilliant noon- 
day, — none of these can give a notion of this splendid 
illusion. Its position was longitudinal ; its surface, its bo- 
som, like that of the ocean, seen from a lofty elevation, 

4* 



82 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

presented itself to view as at a great distance below r — 
reflecting the sun's beams back again to their fountain, and 
giving their dazzling brightness as if in emulation of the 
parent orb. To what shall we compare it ? It looked Wee 
a sea of glory ! I gazed and gazed on this lovely object, 
till dragged by the rumbling motion of our vehicle be- 
yond the sight of the deceptiv^ision. We were soon 
lowered to the common level ; and, leaving these regions 
of splendour and magic grandeur, were called to move 
along: the common road, in the midst of clouds and sha- 
dows. 

Notwithstanding all that we had seen on the mountain, 
we were thankful enough to get to Uniontown, warm our 
almost frozen limbs, and regale ourselves with breakfast. 
Those necessary duties being soon despatched, we hastened 
to Bro^vnville, where a steamer awaited our arrival to con- 
duct us to Pittsburgh. 

The Monongahela, on which we embarked, descends 
from the mountain in this direction, and forms a fine navi- 
gation, meandering its course through a picturesque country 
to its destination. We now found ourselves in the great 
Valley of the Mississippi ; which, commencing at this point, 
stretches to the Rocky Mountains. These two ranges of 
mountains, in the geography of the continent, are held to 
be the barrfers on the east and west of this prodigious 
tract of country. The immense space lying between us at 
the moment of our embarkation at Brownville, at the foot 
of the Alleghanies, to the great barriers raised by the 
Rocky Mountains, and separating the Western States from 
Oregon, is considered a part of this valley. The Mississippi 
itself may be taken as the centre line of this great tract of 
country, stretching from north to south, prepared by na- 
ture Jerself as a drain for the waters descending from the 
east and west. We were now on one of these streams ; 
flowing, in the main, from the east, in a westerly course, 
to join the rivers descending in the opposite direction ; and, 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 83 

as it were, to meet in fraternal union in the aims of the 
"father of waters." 

Everything now appeared different. The chmate be- 
came genial and balmy, and the soil much richer ; vegeta- 
tion appeared luxuriant ; the trees were giving out their 
foliage, and the shrubs and plants their colours and fra- 
grance more richly ; the skies were clear and lofty, the sun 
warm and cheering, while every breeze seemed to bear life 
and vivacity on its wings. The river was enchanting. From 
the edge of the waters the banks gradually sloped up so as 
to form a hilly embankment on each side, covered with 
various trees, now enriched with variegated hues. The 
channel of the river appeared to have been scooped out of 
the solid earth by some giant power, its level being below 
the adjoining country, so as completely to embosom its 
waters in overhanging woods. This beautiful, umbrageous, 
woody, sylvan scene was, it is true, broken in upon, now 
and then, by human habitations, little villages, and places 
of incipient commerce ; but, generally speaking, we passed 
throuo^h silent and unbroken solitudes. Takino' a chair, 
and placing it under the awning of the steamer, I gazed 
in a sort of intoxication, wonder, and ecstasy, in perfect 
silence, or, at any rate, unwilling to be disturbed for any 
purpose. I can never forget the effect this scenery had 
upon my feelings, in this first sight of its peculiar loveli- 
ness. I looked till my eyes grew dim with the dazzlmg 
luxuriance of the ever-varying prospect, and my brain 
fairly ached with the attempt to form some notion of its 
unique grandeur. 

On our descent the banks of the ri-ffer became more pre- 
cipitous and rocky; and, for several miles above Pitts- 
burgh, the causes of its manufacturing greatness and wealth 
began to appear. For many miles beds of coal pn^ected 
their crust and edge upon the banks of the river; and, 
here and there, the collier had employed his mattock and 
spade in digging out of the side of the hill this valuable 



84 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

article of manufacture. The trouble and cost of the ope- 
ration consisted in getting it out of the rock, and transport- 
ing it to its destination^ A slide of planks, fixed at the 
mouth of the level, was placed, from whence the coals 
were rolled down into a boat below prepared to receive 
them. This was all the expense and labour attendant 
upon procuring this valuable article. The same is the case 
with iron ore. This is as abundant as coal, and is pro- 
cured and removed in the same manner. How different 
is the operation in our country ! It occurred to me, that 
one of our friends had a pit in this locality, (Birmingham,) 
on which he had just expended twelve or fifteen hundred 
pounds, to ascertain whether there was a bed of coal on his 
property. The Americans are saved this uncertainty and 
expense altogether. They know before they use a tool, 
that their exertions will not be in vain ; for tliey see the 
coal and iron challenging their labour, and inviting them to 
enterprise. The advantage of the rivalry of the two coun- 
tries, in this respect, is greatly on the side of the Americans. 



CHAPTER V. 

Pittsburgh— Lodge at the St. Charles— The Conference— The Bishops— The 
Preachers — Bishop Soule— The Soutlicrn Ministers— Public Services — The 
Company at the St. Charles— Tlie Town— Manufactures— The African 
Church— Preach to the Blacks— Curious Scene— Leave Pittsburgh— Take 
leave of Bishop Soule— His Character— The Ohio— Wheeling— Bishop Camp- 
bell — Mesmerism. 

We made Pittsburgh about five o'clock. On calling with 
the other ministers at the Book Concern, I found I was 
appointed to take up my board at the St. Charles Hotel. 
This excellent house was kept by Mr. Miller, who, with his 
wife, jFas very friendly. We met with several preachers 
domiciled with us ; all very agreeable and excellent men. 
I was at once installed as the entire master of a commo- 
dious sleeping-room ; and our party had the privilege of 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 85' 

meeting together in the evenings in the family parlour. 
This arrangement proved to be very agreeable to all par- 
ties, as it afforded the means of private intercourse apart 
from the general company. We took our meals at the 
public table. A large and spacious room was occupied for 
breakfast, dinner, and tea ; if any one chose supper, he or- 
dered it specifically, and took it in his own apartment. 
This was our daily routine as to the common-place matter 
of eating and drinking. Our fare was excellent, made vip 
of many sorts of the more substantial dishes and dessert 
every day, and all prepared in the best possible manner. 
We often found an ao- o-resfate of not less than two hundred, 
scarcely ever fewer than one hundred and fifty. These par- 
ties consisted of travellers, men of business, inhabitants of 
the town, and, for the time being, of Methodist preachers. 
I soon found my position very pleasant ; and the thing 
I most coveted was now put into my hands — an opportu- 
nity of observing American character and manners on a 
laro-e and diversified scale. 

Being now fixed in my comfortable domicile, the next 
thing was to open my commission. It began with a diplo- 
matic blunder. My friend Stevens, from Boston, an inmate 
at our house, told me he would arrange with one of the 
senior brethren to introduce me to the Conference ; and, in 
due time, call for me. Accordingly, in a while he made 
his appearance, and informed me he had spoken to one of 
the elder ministers, who had agreed to perform the duty 
of introducing^ me. We went too^ether to the church where 
the assembly was sitting, and I made my way into the midst 
of the preachers. Happening to take a seat near my old 
friend. Dr. Durbin, I accosted him, and at first he did not 
know me ; but, soon recovering from this absence of mind, 
he said, I had done wrong in coming in, that they were 
about to send a deputation to introduce me in form, and 
that I should have waited. I offered to retire; but he 
proposed to speak to the Bishops ; and, on his doing so, 



SQ TOUR IN AMERICA. 

they desired me to remain. In a short time they called 
me up ; and when I had delivered my credentials, Bishop 
Hedding introduced me to the Conference, making such 
observations as occurred to him. In the few remarks I 
made, the official short-hand writer entirely misreported me 
in one particular. He represented me as saying that we, 
the English Methodists, were " all on one side ;" while the 
fact is, I said, '' We were all on the side of liberty, of 
emancipation." By this interpretation of my remarks, I 
was made to assume the position of a partisan in the great 
dispute between the North and the South ; whereas no- 
thing could by possibility be farther from my thoughts or 
meaning. Were it not that I considered myself, not as a 
private person, but as the representative of the British 
Conference, and that they have an interest in the spirit 
and manner in which the person representing them was 
received, propriety would dictate that I should be silent 
on many things which occurred at this first meeting, and on 
many subsequent occasions. But seeing that the Method- 
ist body in England in some sort stood in my person, in 
tlie presence of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ame- 
rica, in fraternal relations, undoubtedly those who sent me 
have a right to know how their greetings were received. 
They may, then, be assured that they were hailed in the 
most cordial, affectionate, and Christian spirit and manner. 
When the British Conference (for so the matter is to be 
imderstood) was introduced to the American body, as a 
mark of respect and good-will, every minister present 
spontaneously, not by order of the chair, stood up, and 
paid the parent body the most profound and hearty respect. 
This was done in a manner not to be mistaken. Nothinor 
trifling, formal, diplomatic, marked the movement. It was 
not the expression of mere courtesy to a stranger ; it was 
the manly burst of aff"ectionate regard for a body to whom, 
I am perfectly sure, they feel the most devout attachment. 
After these introductory greetings were finished, one of the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 87 

brethren offered a resolution, to the effect, that the British 
representative should be incorporated among themselves as 
a member of Conference, and should be invited to take part 
in their proceedings and debates, as he might find it con- 
venient, and be so disposed. This resolution was unani- 
mously carried. 

Not content with a public recognition, the five bishops 
came that evening to my lodgings to pay their respects ; 
not to me, let it always be kept in mind, but to the Method- 
ist Church in this country. This they did in the most 
handsome and hearty manner. The conversation turned, 
as might be expected, on the affairs of Methodism in both 
countries. I found the Bishops, on this and all subsequent 
occasions, deeply interested in our affairs. Looking up to 
us as the elder branch of the great Methodistic family, 
from whence they received their own birth and blessings, 
they evidently entertain a most ardent attachment to us ; 
and, whether well or ill deserved, certainly a high opinion 
of our religious state. Whatever may be the fact respect- 
ing the sentiments and feelings of the political body to- 
wards the mother country, — and on this question my 
opinions differ from those who consider the great body of 
the American people as hostile to Great Britain, — most as- 
suredly, there is nothing of ill-will in the Methodist Bishops, 
ministers, and people, towards their brethren in England. 
All our old and distino-uishino; characteristics, such as the 
itinerancy, class-meetings, and other advantages ; the state 
of piety and experimental religion, the progress we were 
making, as well as our doctrinal fidelity ; were all matters 
of inquiry on the part of the Bishops. After an interesting 
and lengthy conversation on these and kindred subjects, 
we parted ; certainly with a deep impression left on ray 
mind, that the American Church was greatly favoured in 
its chief officers. 

Having given a narrative of conference proceedings else- 
where, the account need not be entered upon here. The 



88 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

few remarks which remain to be made, must refer to men 
and things. I happened to be placed in a most favourable 
position to see and hold intercourse with everybody. All 
had free access to my room, and it was hardly ever empty. 
The whole body of preachers, at one time or another, 
called upon me ; and I had much very pleasant and profita- 
ble intercourse with them. I found them, in private, a 
most pious, intelligent, and well-informed race of men. 
Their knowledge of their own system, economy, and con- 
stitution, I perceived, was exact and enlightened ; their 
experience of the working of the system of Methodism 
complete ; for many of them had been in the service of the 
church many years, and had seen much of their country, 
together with its habits and manners. They were well- N 
informed on all American affairs, and took a lively interest 
in their country's weal ; and, moreover, some of them were 
extremely respectable in literature and general knowledge. 
No man amongst them was a neuter ; he had opinions on 
all points, and held them with tenacity ; but was perfectly 
free to hear those of other people, and removed as far as 
possible from a dogmatical spirit. Reasoning is their forte : 
they are fond of argument. I found them loyal to their 
country and to Methodism. They seem to entertain no 
scruples or doubts as to their government being the best 
in the world. This being the feeling of sober and religious 
men, must be considered as worth notice, much more than 
that of political zealots of any grade. I found most of the 
Methodist ministers what is called in America "Whio-s," 
which means in our country " Conservatives." They had 
an utter dislike to the war-spirit growing up in America, 
disapproved very much of the Mexican war, and denounced 
the policy of President Polk's administration. There were, 
of course, exceptions ; but this seemed to be the general 
opinion amongst them. The northern men were all de- 
cided and zealous abolitionists. They abhor slavery as 
much as it is possible to be abhorred in this country ; and 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 89 

many of them are sanguine as to the possibihty of makino- 
this a state question, and in a short time electing an anti- 
slavery president. 

Their Methodism is a belief, a truth, a principle. They 
as much believe in the soundness of Methodistic doctrines, 
the excellency of their ecclesiastical polity, and the religion 
of their system, as in the truth of the word of God itself. 
Republicans though they may be, they are not revolution- 
ists. And the same is the case regarding their religious 
convictions. In a free and easy intercourse with these 
men for a fortnight, I did not hear one word which sa- 
voured of disaffection to their ecclesiastical institutions. 
This was the case respecting their Bishops ; not a murmur 
was heard. They were perfectly loyal to the church. 
This, as will be seen, must give the church great power 
and force. Every man is prepared to take his place, and 
do his best. None of his strength is frittered away in 
wrangling disputes, in projects of reform, in tinkering and 
mending the system. On the other hand, he occupies his 
sphere of labour with the undoubted persuasion that he is 
serving the cause of God ; that he is connected with a 
form of religion which must prevail, because divine ; and 
that his business is not to mend the rules, but to keep 
them. We cannot be surprised at the amazing success of 
a system of religion so supported, and so worked. Every 
man is possessed of an idea, a truth, which he feels himself 
bound to propagate. He does this without hesitation, 
puts his whole soul into his mission, and it is done unto 
him according to his faith. 

In a few days after my arrival, Bishop Soule made his 
appearance, and took up his abode, at our hotel. This to 
me was a most pleasant incident. We had much inter- 
course and conversation. He had not lost his English im- 
pressions. His sojourn in our country, his reception and 
treatment by the conference and people, had left a very 
grateful recollection on his mind. He entered fully into 



90 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

the subject of his connexion with the South ; saying, he 
supposed we should be surprised at tlie event. He avowed 
that he acted from the dictates of his conscience, beheving 
that he should be best enabled, in the section of the Church 
he had chosen, to advance the interests of his Master's 
kingdom. Everybody who knows Bishop Soule must re- 
ceive this testimony. He is incapable of equivocation, or 
of anything dishonourable. He avowed that his convictions 
of the evils of slavery had undergone no change ; it was as 
much the object of his abhorrence as ever. His explana- 
tions of his conduct amounted to this : — that, in his opinion, 
the only possible way of ever reaching a measure of eman- 
cipation lay in bringing the population of the South, mas- 
ters and slaves, under the influence of the Gospel ; and that 
the only means of accomplishing this was, not in agitating 
the question, but in quietly preaching the truth to both, 
leaving it in the providence of God to work its own results : 
moreover, that for ministers to agitate the question of 
emancipation, would infallibly cause the planters of the 
South to shut the door against all attempts at evangeliza- 
tion, and have the effect of leaving masters and servants 
in their sins. 

Impressed by these considerations, he thought it best to 
remain in the South, his family residing in that part of the 
country, and he himself having, for many years, chiefly 
laboured in these States. He desired that his affectionate 
remembrances might be given to the British Conference ; 
saying, he knew that, Avith our opinions and relations to 
the American Episcopal Church, we could hold no ofiicial 
communion with them ; but if the conference chose to 
send or allow any of their messengers, on visiting America, 
to call upon them, or inspect their work, they would be 
most gladly and heartily received. As long as Bishop 
Soule lives, there can be no doubt that this would be the 
case. The nobility of his nature is above all petty jea- 
lousies ; and there are manv men in the South of a like 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 91 

spirit with himself. Several other Southern men made 
their appearance, as Mr. Early, the book-agent or steward 
at Richmond, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Bascom. With all these 
gentlemen I held intercourse. Mr. Early presented me 
with a newly-revised hymn-book, beautifully got up and 
well arranged, together with several other works connected 
with the Southern question. These gentlemen manifested the 
greatest kindness and urbanity : and did all in their power to 
leave an impression on my mind, that the position which they 
now hold has not caused them to be less Methodistical than 
before. In spirit, piety, honesty of purpose, — in frankness 
of character, in warm affections, — they certainly are not. 
Dr. Lee presented me VY'ith his memoirs of his illustrious 
uncle, Jesse Lee. A worthy scion this of a noble stock. 
There are found here and there great roots of humanity, as 
well as of forest-trees, which send forth, for some genera- 
tions, noble offshoots. This is one. A fine young man, 
full of feeling, learning, intelligence, and good principle ; 
destined, it is to be hoped, for many years to adorn the 
sacred calling to which he is devoted. Dr. Bascom, the 
president of Transylvania University at Lexington, came 
late, and I had only the opportunity of seeing him once. 
But this one interview was sufficient to convince me that 
he possessed a powerful intellect, of mascuhne form, richly 
furnished, highly polished, and conversant with various 
learning and knowledge. He had been making a long- 
preaching tour in the South during the vacation, and we 
heard that his ministry had made a deep impression. This 
gentleman is considered a master of eloquence ; and if he 
drew up the state-papers which appear in the dispute 
bet^vixt the South and the North in 1844, which I believe, 
his pen is as eloquent as his tongue ; his eloquence, how- 
ever, not being that of declamation, but of reason, and 
clothed in the flowing dress of lucid and beautiful diction. 
I deem it but fair thus to mention the ministers of the 
South to whom I was introduced, fearing lest their con- 



92 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

nexion with that church should lead to the conclusion that, 
in their personal character, they are something different 
from other ]\Iethodist ministers. 

It was my happiness to preach twice each Lord's day, 
on the two Sundays I remained at Pittsburgh, and once be- 
fore the conference. The worship was devout and spiritual, 
the congregations were large, and everything proceeded 
much in our English manner. After the morning service 
on the first Sabbath, the Lord's supper was administered, 
exactly after the order of the Prayer-Book. An incident 
occurred at this service of a pleasing nature. Bishop 
Soule and Dr. Pierce being present, they were invited to 
take part in the service, which they did ; thus showing to 
the world that the ecclesiastical differences existing be- 
tween the two parties, were not deemed sufficient to sever 
the bonds of religious brotherhood, to destroy the more 
sacred ties of spiritual affection, or to indicate that one 
party considered the other as heretics. This w^as very 
cheering to behold. 

Whilst mentioning these matters, I must state one or 
two things in passing, not of much consequence in them- 
selves, and yet tending to illustrate the state of feeling 
amongst our friends in the States. As a loyal subject of 
Queen Victoria, maugre all suspicions to the contrary, I 
deemed it my duty, in every public service, to pray first for 
our queen and government, and then, secondly, for the 
president of the States, and government of the country ; 
putting in petitions, that our union might never be inter- 
rupted by discord and war. How was this received ? 
Did it produce disapprobation ? Just the reverse. It 
called forth hearty responses, and many expressions of ap- 
proval. One more incident. We had been holding a 
school-meeting one evening in the conference chapel, when, 
after the service was concluded, the choir struck up " God 
save the Queen." I confess I felt this a most delicate and 
grateful compliment paid to my country ; and, moreover, 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 93 

that a people who could do this, were in possession, at 
once, of good feeling and fine taste. 

I had promised myself the acquisition of a good deal of 
information, in connexion with our table d'hote at the hotel, 
by being brought into contact with so many people. But, 
in truth, little came out of it. The Americans have re- 
tained our English characteristics ; they are vastlj'- taciturn ; 
general conversation was out of the question altogether. 
This never happened. And, in innumerable instances, 
many of the people would finish their repast without 
speaking a single word. One of these American meals is, 
indeed, a curiosity. The despatch of business is prodigious. 
The dinner is speedily over ; and every man as he finishes 
rises from the table and departs ; thus thinning the ranks 
of the regiment of " beef-eaters," till the last man remains. 
This was generally myself. I could not keep up at all 
Avith the march ; and often felt perfectly ashamed at sit- 
ting by myself to finish ray plate. Indeed, I very often 
saw that one and another of my kind-hearted friends, see- 
ing my embarrassment, remained to keep me in counte- 
nance. Tea was worse still. I declare I have seen men 
spring from the table in three minutes after they had been 
seated, and make their exit. One thing I must mention, 
however, that during the whole of this time, in which, by 
the constant change of the company, I must have ob- 
served some two or three thousand people, if not more, I 
never saw one take a single glass of wine at table, or any- 
thing but water, and milk. This I took to be a remarkable 
proof of the influence of the temperance principle. " But 
there is a bar," it may be said. True ; but I never saw any 
drinking at the bar, or in any other part of the hotel, or an 
inebriated person. The order, decorum, sobriety, and vir- 
tue, so far as outward appearances go, were as complete in this 
great establishment, as in the best-regulated private family. 

The servants of this house were all people of colour ; 
and I found the man who attended upon me was a run- 



94 TUUK IN AMliiUCA. 

away slave. He felt no compunction on account of this 
act of self-emancipation ; why should he ? He told me a 
fearful story respecting his mother and family. He had 
the pain to see his parent sold and dragged away from her 
children, and never saw her more. His sisters were treated 
in the same manner, and he knew not what had become of 
them. I found this poor black a truly religious man, and 
full of faith, as he expressed it, " that all would be right 
in the end ;" meaning by this, that at some time liberty 
would come. He was as acute and intelligent as the gene- 
ral class of labourers in this country, and even much more 
so than many. These people are a distinct body of Me- 
thodists, and have an episcopacy of their own. One of 
the public services I conducted was in their church, newly 
erected, — indeed, not finished ; and it was a memorable 
time. The poor blacks manifested great feeling. There 
sat before me a female whose countenance was lit up with 
an amount of ecstatic emotion, such as I never before wit- 
nessed. After the sermon the people sang some of tlieii 
own peculiarly soft and melancholy airs. This excited 
them ; and we had a remarkable scene. They leaped, I 
know not hoAV high, and in a manner one would have 
thought impossible. But, more than this, they danced to 
their own melody, and in perfect time, and exhibited 
the signs of the most rapturous happiness. This looked 
sti-ange to us sober people : I stood somewhat aghast, 
fearful lest it should lead to mischief. I heard of none ; 
and hope it was the mere expression of joyous feeling. 

I must now say a word respecting Pittsburgh. In truth, 
it consists of three cities, under one name ; as Southwark 
is included in the one cognomen, London. These cities 
have their separate corporate rights and jurisdiction. One 
is Pittsburgh proper ; the second Alleghany, after the river 
of that name ; and the third is called Birmino-ham. Pitts- 
burgh is often called the Birmingham of America, but with 
little reason, except from the fact that both are smoky 



PAKT I. — I'EKSO^'AL IMAHKATiVE. 95 

places ; and that the new town manufactures many of the 
articles which are made in the old one ; otherwise, they 
are not at all alike. The city stands on the forks of the 
two rivers Monongahela and Alleghany ; which, after a 
course of something like a hundred miles, meet at this 
place, and by their union form the Ohio. Standing, as it 
does, on this point of land, the city is, of course, environed 
by water on two sides of the triangle. Its facilities of trans- 
port by water are complete ; it is connected with the 
Atlantic States, partly by canal, to Philadelphia ; and with 
all the Western States, and the lakes, by the Ohio, the 
Mississippi, and the innumerable streams branching from 
them in every direction. The city itself is substantially 
built, chiefly of brick ; the shops are not much like ours, 
being generally in the store fashion ; and not, consequently, 
either elegant or showy ; but many of them appear to be 
in a prosperous and thriving state, as marts of business. 
The manufactures are iron and steel goods of all sorts, 
glass, tin, brass, and, in fine, the same precisely as are 
made in Birmingham. Here, for the first time in America, 
I beheld smoke. The Atlantic cities all burn anthracite 
coal, which, being free from the bituminous quality, thougli 
it gives a glovfing heat, yet emits no smoke. On this ac- 
count the atmosphere of the largest cities is as clear as in 
the country ; the buildings are preserved in their freshness, 
and appear beautifully clean. It is different at Pittsburgh. 
The coal, like ours, being strongly impregnated with bitu- 
minous matter, sends out, from the furnaces and tall chim- 
neys, dense volumes of smoke, as in our manufacturing- 
towns. Besides, the city being embosomed in a valley, 
and surrounded by hills, some of which are high, the sooty 
nuisance cannot escape : this causes the place, in some 
states of the wind and weather, to be intolerably dirty and 
suffocating. 

But these are the things which create wealth ; and no- 
thing can possibly prevent Pittsburgh from becoming one 



96 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

of the greatest manufacturing cities in the world. I met 
many of oui' countrymen located at this place ; giving their 
genius, their knowledge, their labour, to augment the crea- 
tive power of the great rival of their own fatherland. They 
were in a thriving condition ; many of them becoming- 
wealthy. One who had left the north of England when a 
youth, a poor collier, without sixpence in his pocket, and 
who began his career by heaving coals out of the side of 
the hills, told me he was worth fifteen or sixteen thousand 
dohars, showing me, with grateful feehngs, some half- 
dozen houses of Avhich he was the owner. He had in- 
duced all his relations to join him, and the whole family 
were living in great comfort and respectabihty. This is 
only a sample. 

All the world contributes its quota of help to enrich the 
Americans. When I was passing down the river, and saw 
the collieries at work, I felt sure that those collieries were 
not worked by Yankee hands, that my poor countrymen 
were the drudges ; and on putting the question with the 
express purpose to ascertain the fact, I found it perfectly 
correct ; hardly a single American ever works in a coal-pit, 
or, indeed, performs any analogous task. This is done for 
him by the labouring hands of all portions of the world ; 
and especially by the workmen of England. 

Human life, Avhich is often a burden in other countries, 
constitutes the wealth of America. The black population 
perform all the menial domestic duties ; they are seen in 
every house, unless superseded by Irish girls ; the poor Celts 
from the sister island dig for their canals and railroad lines, 
and carry bricks and mortar up the scaffolding, in all build- 
ing processes ; and the Germans, besides yielding their 
portion of help in canal and railroad work, furnish labour, 
to a great amount, in all agricultural improvements. The 
true American is the f/entleman of the country ; and all 
these classes constitute his mechanists and labourers. If 
he can command a little capital, he will have the skill and 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 97 

adroitness to put everybody else to work for Mm ; but let 
any one find a genuine Yankee putting his own band to 
any bard work, if be can. There is no unfairness in all 
this, inasmuch as the same road is open to all the new- 
comers. In the lifetime of many of them, they get into 
the same position themselves, or, if this is not secured, their 
children are certain to attain it. What America is to do 
if the current of emigration sets in in another direction, it is 
difficult to say. Will her real children turn out to the 
drudgery of working coal-pits, iron-furnaces, glass-works, 
brick-making, and the rest ? Heads will not do alone. At 
present the Yankee seems to imagine that bis calling is to 
furnish the ideal, the plan, the scheme, the head ; but it 
belongs to Europeans and Africans to find the bands to do 
the drudgery. It is very clear, however, that the heads 
may become too numerous ; how the right equilibrium is 
to be maintained, is difficult to imagine. 

The time for leaving Pittsburgh now came. My travel- 
ling companion was the Rev. John Ryerson. On tendering 
our money for the passage to Cincinnati, a distance of five 
hundred miles, to occupy two days and two nights, we 
were told that the regular fare was six dollars, but that 
they only charged ministers five. This favour shown to 
ministers is universal in the States. On occasion of cross- 
ing one of the bridges at Pittsburgh, I saw a written notice 
of the toll to be paid ; and tendering the amount to the 
man, who sat, in the American style, with his legs cocked- 
up on the back of a chair, and a cigar in his mouth, he 
asked if I belonged to the Conference ; and being told that 
I did, he said, " Our directors have ordered me to pass you 
on ; there is nothing to pay." So, in our passage dovrn 
the Ohio, we were lodged and boarded, in the best manner, 
for two days and nights, for the sum of something less 
than twenty-two shillings. Many of the brethren accom- 
panied us to the vessel, to bid us farewell. Among the 
rest was Bishop Soule ; I saw him for the last time, with 



98 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

an acliing heart, among the group of preachers and people. 
It is sad to think of seeing him no more. I felt this keenly, 
as I turned my eyes from him, with the certainty that it 
was a final adieu. A noble man ! One of the first spiiits in 
America. In bearing, a perfect gentleman, manly, courte- 
ous, and dignified ; in principle, feeling, and demeanour, a 
true Christian ; in the character and calibre of his mind, 
strong, clear, masculine ; in moral force, firm, unwavering, 
inflexible ; in official life, judicious, prudent, and decided in 
his adherence to settled constitutional rule, but practical 
and wise ; in evangelical toils and labours, as abundant as 
any living man in the church ; and in spirit, calm, coura- 
geous, and active. It is more than pleasant to meet with 
such a man, it is highly instructive. For a fortnight I had 
enjoyed the happiness of Bishop Soule's society ; and my 
inmost soul reverenced and did homage to him, on taking. 
a last look of his manly and venerable form. 

We soon lost sight of Pittsburgh ; gliding rapidly down 
one of the finest streams that ever graced or blessed any 
country in the world. The banks, for five hundred miles, 
were exactly like those already described. The rocky soil 
sloped up, in many places, to a considerable height, and 
was invariably covered from the water's edge with rich and 
beautiful foliage. The weather was most brilliant, and 
towards evening we arrived at Wheeling ; and, stopping a 
sufficient time to allow us to land, we visited the town. It 
had no show of beauty from the river ; but on entering, we 
found it a very large and handsome place, full of fine shops, 
and commercial activity. The usual rocky ascent, which 
generally rose from the river's brink, had here been thrown 
in to the distance of a few miles into the interior, leaving 
room on its banks for building the city. The hill, however, 
appeared in due course ; but formed a sort of back-ground 
to the town, the effect of which was exceedingly beautiful. 
The whole scene was enchanting. The sun was retiring, 
all nature was clothed in lier most glorious dress ; not a 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 99 

breath of air disturbed the universal calm; not a cloud 
or speck was seen across the deep blue sky ; our noble 
river rolled majestically, but peacefully, along; and all 
things conspired to make this one of those bright, illu- 
sive hours, in the midst of the storms and labours of life, 
which leave an indelible impression upon the soul. We 
were soon called to move from our moorings ; we descended 
the stream ; and the sunny hour spent at Wheeling, soon 
became a vision, an idea. 

It may be proper to remark, that great numbers of vil- 
lages and towns, few of them, at present, of any magnitude, 
lie along the shores of the Ohio. Many of these rising 
towns bear the names of our own, as Liverpool, Manchester, 
Portsmouth ; collieries and founderies, in an incipient state 
of progress, are beginning their operations, soon to become 
of gigantic power. We had the State of Ohio towards the 
north, always free, never having admitted slavery ; and that 
of Kentucky on the south, having always been a slave State. 
The extent of many of these States may be pretty accu- 
rately understood, when it is stated, that the river Ohio 
washes one of the frontiers of Kentucky, in its windings, 
for the distance of seven himdred miles. 

This voyage down the Ohio was rather fortunate in 
bringing me into contact with several parties of some in- 
terest. Among others Bishop Campbell introduced himself. 
This gentleman was the husband of a Mrs. Campbell, who, 
in Scotland, some few years ago, produced much excite- 
ment by (if I recollect right) following in the train of poor 
Irving, and giving utterance to noises, which used to be 
called " the tongues." In doctrine and sentiment, they, 
the Campbells, adhered to the Rowite party, and dissemi- 
nated their sentiments. I coidd not exactly understand 
v/hat church my friend was bishop of, but suppose it rau6t 
have been one founded on the piinciples above referred to.* 
I also met with a very intelligent farmer, living in the State 
of Ohio, who expatiated much on the fertility of the soil, 

F* See note on next page.] 



lOU TOUB IN AMEIUOA 

and the social condition of the people ; but he gave me 
information on another point, in which I felt a deeper in- 
terest. On my saying I supposed they found it difficult to 
get their children educated in the country, he assured me 
that universal provision was made to meet this want. He 
remarked, " For instance, here, where the land is cleared, 
and farms established, and that is the case for many miles, 
there are school-houses, built by the townships, and main- 
tained by rates levied by the people themselves, at the 
distance of about four miles from each other ; so that chil- 
dren have to walk but two miles to school from the most 
distant points, which they do, carrying their dinner with 
them, by which they are enabled to remain all day." 

But, in addition to this information thus connected with 
education and morals, we had on board a gentleman of an- 
other genus, a lecturer on mesmerism, having in his train 
three or four persons, whom he seemed to be carrying 
with him for the purpose of operating upon. He favoured 
the company with a lecture, with experiments upon his 
subjects. The sight of this was too much for my sober- 
minded companion, Ryerson, who soon retired ; but I was 
determined to see it out, and remained. It was an odd 
affair, most certainly. Having put them into a mesmeric 
state, the operator professed to touch and move the phreno- 
logical bumps of his patients ; and, whether real or feigned, 
I know not, but they played off some most singular antics. 
All parties were perfectly civil, no one disputing or contra- 
dicting in any way. The ladies were full of amazement; 
some in raptures, exclaiming, " How astonishing !" " Won- 
derful !" " Beautiful !" " Is it not fine ?" the men, in the 
mean time, shrugging up their shoulders, skulking back, 
knitting their brows, and frowning doubt, without saying 
anything. 

[* Dr. Dixon has fallen into several errors in regard to Mr. A. Campbell con- 
founding him with a totally different person, Rev. Jas. M. CampbeU, of Row, 
Scotland, who married the lady to whom he alludes. We have never understood 
that there was any connexion between Mr. Campbell of Bethany, and the Row- 
ite party.— Am. Ed.1 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 101 



CHAPTER YI. 

Cincinnati — Mr. Smith — Auburn — A Storm in the Country — Bishop M'llvaine's 
Country Residence — A Fire — The Sabbath — The City — Start for Sandusky — 
The Forest— Difficulties of clearing Land — The Railroad through the Forest 
— A Stage Journey — Arrival at Urbana — Arrival at Sandusky. 

We arrived at Cincinnati early on Saturday morning. The 
friends being informed, by telegraph, that we might be 
expected, we found a carriage waiting our arrival to con- 
duct US to our lodgings. I had been appointed to stay at 
the house of Christopher Smith, Esq., whom I found to be 
a countryman, from Stockton, in the north of England, and 
Mrs. Smith, a county-woman of my own, from Leicester- 
shire. Mr. Smith had left home when young ; but, before 
his removal, had obtained the knowledge and enjoyment 
of religion. He remembered several of the old preachers, 
having waited upon them in his boyhood, and mentioned 
Mr. Kershaw with great affection. He received me with 
genuine cordiality, and set himself to do all in his power to 
make my sojourn as agreeable as possible. After the 
necessary ablutions and breakfast, I set out by myself to 
obtain a notion of the character of the city. Rambling 
into one of the suburbs, I saw five or six large cotton-mills 
by the river-side, together with other manufactories. The 
day being hot, and feeling some weariness from the voy- 
age, I sat down on some steps — not of stone, but of wood 
— in the outskirts of the town, on the entrance into a gar- 
den, in front of a genteel-looking house. I had not been 
seated many minutes before the lady of the house came, 
and asked me to walk in and take a seat. On my declining 
this polite offer, she very soon returned with a bouquet of 
most fragrant roses ; and then, in a little while after, she 
came a third time, with newspapers, saying, " You would, 
perhaps, wish to see the morning papers." I know not 
what Mrs. Trollope would make of this instance of Ame- 



102 TOUli iJN' AMERICA. 

rican minners ; but I felt that any politeness could hardly 
exceed this. 

Bishop Mollis had, in his great kindness, written to 
friends living four or five miles from the city, to take me 
to see a suburb, in the direction of their residence, called 
Auburn ; it seems considered by the citizens as the " West 
End" of Cincinnati. I was accordingly escorted in the 
afternoon to this place ; and certainly it is, and promises to 
be much more so, a beautiful locality. The house of our 
friends is quite in the country ; and, among other pros- 
pects, commands a view of the residence, which would, in 
this comitry, be called the palace, of one of the first men 
in America — good Bishop M'llvaine. His people have 
built him a fine little church, near his residence ; and the 
spire of this church, rising in the midst of the sylvan scene, 
causes it to have a perfectly English appearance. The 
good Bishop was from home, in his diocese ; otherwise I 
might have enjoyed the benefit of hearing him, as the 
chm'ch in which he usually officiates is close to the house 
of Mr. Smith, and the family are in the habit of hearing 
him often. The Bishop enjoys a high reputation as a faith- 
ful and able minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

While in the country, at our friend's house, we were 
visited by a tremendous storm. This storm was exceedingly 
grand ; the thunder Avas loud and terrific ; the rain de- 
scended in torrents ; and the lightning, unlike ours of the 
forky description, appeared like sheets of fire, while the 
heavens seemed enveloped in one universal blaze. This 
storm did considerable damage. One of our own Method- 
ist friends, being thrown from his horse, suffered some 
mischief; but, providentially, his life was spared. In the 
night, another of our people had his house set on fire, near 
our lodgings. The noise from the sounding of bells, 
the yells of the population, and the exertions of firemen, was 
awful. The fire in due time Avas happily subdued, though 
much damage was done ; the stock in trade being paper. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 103 

The Sunday dawned ; and it was a blessed day. I 
preached twice ; the congregations being large, lively, 
and devout. To show the difference of feeling between 
the Americans and most Christians in our country, we may 
just mention, that Dr. Aydelott, an eminent Episcopalian 
minister, sat in the pulpit with the Methodist ministers 
present, on both occasions. Having found, for the first 
time, in the possession of Mr. Smith, a copy of Asbury's 
Journal, I spent the intervals of worship very profitably in 
perusing this interesting narrative. Mr. Smith had the 
goodness, afterwards, to present me with this work ; an 
invaluable treasm'e, full of important information and inci- 
dent connected with the early history of Methodism in the 
United States. 

Cincinnati is called " The Queen City of the West," and 
deserves the designation. It is beautifully situated on the 
banks of the Ohio, on rising ground, somewhat in the form 
of a half-circle. The houses and shops are spacious, and 
well furnished ; the streets cut each other at right angles, 
giving the place perfect uniformity of appearance ; and the 
allotments of houses and buildings thus formed are called 
" squares." This name at first deceived me ; when hearing 
them speak of First, Second, and Third Square, and so on, 
I thought a square in our sense of the term was meant, but 
soon found out my mistake. When perambulating this 
place, and recollecting the brevity of the period of its exist- 
ence, I was much puzzled to know where the fimds came 
from which built and furnished all their costly houses and 
shops. My friend, Mr. Smith, had resided in Cincinnati 
about forty-five years. He informed me, that, when he 
took up his abode first, there were only between nine and 
ten hundred inhabitants: "And now there are," he said, 
*' near one hundred thousand:" at that time he made the 
twenty-second member in the Methodist society ; but at 
the present time there are many thousands : and when he 
went first to the place, he informed me, he used to sweep 



X04 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

out his joiner's shop for preaching, there being no other 
place in the city in which they could hold divine service ; 
but they have raised in the course of this tune about twenty 
large churches. This good man justly and gratefully ap- 
preciates the dealings of Providence with himself. With 
eyes brilliant with joyous emotions, he added, "And I 
feel it a great mercy and privilege to have had some little 
hand in it all." Well might he feel grateful and happy at 
the consciousness of helping forward the work of God for 
so many years, and of living to witness such results ! 

Time pressed, and we were obliged to leave on Monday 
morning. Our course lay by rails across the country to 
the lakes, a distance of two hundred and nineteen miles, 
I had been told that this route would afford me the oppor- 
tunity of seeing, on an extended scale, the agricultural 
character and resources of the western country ; and I was 
not disappointed. The entire territory was either perfectly 
new, or only very recently cultivated. This will appear 
from the fact, that many of the rising towns bear the name 
even of living men ; as Polktown, called after the Presi- 
dent, and Claysville, after the eminent statesman of that 
name. The whole scene was very curious ; the only uniform 
and finished thing being the railroad on which we travel- 
led ; the greater part of the country still remaining un- 
broken forest. Through this forest-scene our railroad had 
been cut, at a vast cost of money and labour ; the trees 
having, of course, to be felled by the woodman's axe, as 
well as the road itself levelled and prepared. To the inha- 
bitants of these solitudes — now limited to wild animals, the 
Indians being all gone — the blaze of our fire, the fizzing of 
our steam, the sound of our whistle, the noise of our mo- 
tion, and the rapidity of our speed, must appear a singular 
solecism in the midst of the sylvan scenes of their joyous 
freedom. What music for the forest is a railroad train ! 
How fine and perfect the harmony between the singing of 
birds, the leap of squirrels, the bounding of the hind, the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 105 

stag, the deer, and all the other forms of life and motion 
peculiar to the wilderness ; — and the smoke, ashes, dirt, 
creaking, bellowing, of a huge train, laden with human and 
all other kinds of lumber ! We dashed along through these 
forest scenes, indifferent as to the sentiment of concord, 
the " eternal laws and fitness of things," and matters of 
that sort, notwithstanding ; intent only upon our mission of 
progress, though it should oblige us to cut down all the 
trees in the universe, disturb the repose of nature in her 
lair, and quench the lights of heaven by the smoke of our 
civilizing chimneys. 

But to return. The country through which we passed 
appeared to be extremely rich, and capable of bearing 
most abundant crops of wheat, and every other kind of 
grain. A great part of the land, which is considered as 
cleared, and occupied for agricultural purposes, is only so 
to a very imperfect degree. The trees of the forest are 
cut off about two feet above their root, and the stumps left 
standing in the fields. These stumps are seen everywhere, 
and have not an agreeable appearance ; the farmer ploughs 
and sows around them ; so that the harvest has to be reap- 
ed and collected in the midst of these annoying hin- 
drances to the sweep of the scythe. They are left in this 
state to rot ; and when the process of decay has proceeded 
to a certain point, a machine is employed to draw, that is, 
to twist, them up ; just on the principle of the dentist's 
operations in drawing a tooth. 

On beholding this line of road, I was very deeply im- 
pressed with the idea, that the matter of " clearing" forest- 
land is a most Herculean affair. Let any one just imagine 
even an acre to be cleared by a new-comer, with only his 
own hands and those of his children, either not having the 
means of obtaining help, or that help not to be obtained. 
How great the difficulty ! When the trees are felled, the 
roots and stumps still remain ; the soil tm-ned up, the 
crop must have time to grow, and the returns of labour be 



106 TOLli IN AMERICA. 

waited for till harvest ; the log-hut, built in the spare hours 
saved from sleep and pressing calls of duty elsewhere, is 
no defence against the wintry storm ; if domestic animals 
are possessed, they are wanted for food ; if clothing is en- 
joyed in the beginning of the operation, it wears out ; and 
as to money to purchase new, when even the necessaries 
of life have not yet been obtained from the soil — that is 
out of the question. The privations, sufferings, and sacri- 
fices of life, which even the matter of clearing must have 
cost the human family, in the amount of forest now occu- 
pied by the habitations of man in America, must be infinite. 
How vital, indeed, how profound and dominant a passion 
must the love of possession and independence be, to impel 
such liosts of men to quit a quiet and mediocre mode of 
life, but dependent, to seek in the forest, in the midst of 
such toil as this, the happiness of calling their land and 
their house their own ! The first occupants can never, cer- 
tainly, enjoy much of the fruit of their own labour, except 
in very particular cases : but then here another mighty 
passion comes in to help the soul in her heroic perseve- 
rance ; there is the love of posterity, the hope of laying a 
foundation for the happiness of children. The clearance of 
the forest is no other than the development of these instincts 
of nature. 

The line along which we passed was evidently doing its 
work. Numerous villages and towns were rising ; stores, 
warehouses, mills, and buildings of every kind were beirg 
put up ; new farm-houses were appearing at intervals all 
along the road ; and, passing large portions of forest still 
undisturbed, every now and then the effects of the wood- 
man's axe were apparent in chasms made by the recent fall 
of trees, and the partial cultivation of portions of the ground. 
Everything was life, bustle, and activity. Great numbers 
of Irish were seen at work on the line, and at other em- 
ployments ; a useful and laborious class. One could not 
help seeing the contrast betwixt these poor people and all 



PART 1. — PEKSONAL NARRATIVE. 107 

around them, even in America. The Celt bears the unmis- 
takable physiognomy of his race in all countries, for at least 
one generation. 

Before reaching our destination, we had to quit tlie rail- 
road, and mount stages fourteen miles, the line being 
unfinished. I took a seat on the box to see the country, 
but had difficulty enough to keep my equilibrium ; the 
jolting was horrible. Our course could not be called a 
road, in any sense, except from the mere fact that it had 
been traversed before, and we also were now passing over 
it. We made our way across gullies, rivulets, rising hil- 
locks, and then again sunk up to our axletrees in bogs. 
We were roughly handled by great stones lying in our 
course, roots of trees projecting their fibres ; and then 
again by pieces of timber put into soft places, by way of 
making a pavement for passengers to cross. Really this 
journeying of the American stages, in the midst of a coun- 
try such as we passed through this day, is a curiosity. It 
would be, indeed, extremely difficult, a priori, to imagine 
how the carriage was to escape being capsized many times 
told ; how the horses were to keep their feet, and perform 
their task ; and how the driver could possibly preserve his 
seat, and pilot his vehicle through so many shoals to a 
safe anchorage. Such, however, is use and experience, 
that calamities rarely occur ; and though sufficiently shaken, 
and not free from fear, yet we arrived safely at our des- 
tined place of rest for the night. 

The country through which we passed is of the nature 
of an avenue cut through the forest, sometimes a mile or 
two broad, and at other places less. This space is occu- 
pied by splendid farms, rich and productive in the highest 
degree. The farm-houses are nearly all good substantial 
brick or stone buildings ; and many of them much like the 
fine residences of our country gentry. There must be 
great comfort in this region, and, when the railroad is 
finished, easy of access ; it affording the means of transport 



108 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

for the produce of the soil, either to Cincinnati on the 
Ohio on the one hand, or to the lakes on the other. And 
one cannot help asking, If without this road and its advan- 
tages industry and enterprise could do so much, what are 
we to expect noAv that all these facilities of progress are 
opened ? It must certainly become, shortly, one of the 
richest tracts of country in America. This is a fine part 
of the States for settlers in the farming line, if necessity or 
inclination should cause them to leave their fatherland. In 
case any such parties should cast their eyes on this book, 
I should certainly recommend them to examine this region, 
before they think of locating elsewhere. 

Our resting-place for the night was a new and rising 
town in the wilderness, called Urbana. We found a good 
inn, and spoke for beds. While we were doing this, some 
Methodist friends, who had been apprized of our coming 
by telegraph, were in search of us. We called to pay a 
friendly visit, and found them very agreeable ; but, having 
engaged our lodging, declined a kind and hearty invitation 
to take up our abode with them. On retiring to bed, I 
was soon expelled by some old friends, who own me wher- 
ever I go ; and was obliged to go down stairs, and get 
such rest as lying across some chairs would allow. While 
in this posture, a number of young fellows, black and 
white, assembled at the door of the house ; and I suppose 
we had in them a specimen of back- wood language of the 
worst sort. I had not, up to this time, heard an oath or 
profane language of any kind since I left my native land, 
either on board ship or in America ; but these young sin- 
ners made up for the lack. I cannot repeat their oaths : 
it is a shame to speak of such deeds of darkness ; but I 
never heard since I existed such shocking profanity. This 
sort of life no doubt prevailed — we have all kinds of testi- 
mony to the fact — universally, till the forests and woods 
were visited by the messengers of salvation ; and a better 
state of things was superinduced by theh* labours. 



PART 1. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 109 

We set out the next morning for Sandusky, and, reach- 
ing that place towards night, beheld Lake Erie for the first 
time. The town itself has no great beauty for the present. 
It is, however, a bustling, stirring place ; and, from its 
situation, must soon rise to magnitude and importance. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Lakes — Erie — Pass down — Buffalo — Niagara River— Scenery on its Banks 
— The Falls of Niagara — Canada — The People — Visit the Battle-Field of Lun- 
dy's-Lane — The Suspension-Bridge — St. Catharine's — Hamilton. 

It was impossible to see this wonderful inland sea without 
deep emotion. The evening was bright and calm, the 
bosom of the lake unruffled by a breeze, the sun retired 
in majesty and beauty behind the waters ; it was a lovely 
sunset. 

" Lake Erie is three hundred miles in length, forty-six 
at its utmost breadth, seven hundred and sixteen in cir- 
cumference, and about fifty-six fathoms at its greatest 
depth. At its northern extremity it is much exposed to 
violent gales, and its navigation is both tedious and dan- 
gerous. It contains, towards the west, a number of beau- 
tiful islands, in which are many remarkable caverns, abound- 
ino: in curious stalactites. These islands are also full of 
reptiles, especially rattlesnakes ; and the margin of the lake 
is in many places completely covered, for many acres, with 
the large leaves of the pond-lily, upon which, in the sum- 
mer season, myriads of water-snakes are seen basking in 
the sun. The bottom is a bluish limestone rock, and its 
banks are clothed with wood, abounding in game and wild 
animals." 

Some of these characteristics are rapidly disappearing. 
On the American side, especially, large and flourishing 
towns are rising up ; the country, to the edge of the lake, 
is being cultivated, and a busy and thriving population is 



110 TOUR lis AMEKIOA. 

taking the place of tlie wild animals formerly inhabiting 
the jungle. The Canada side has not made the same pro- 
gress ; but still the country is gradually being cleared and 
occupied. 

"We departed from Sandusky, nearly at the top of the 
lake, the morning after our arrival. Our destination was 
Buffalo, at the other extremity of the lake, so that the dis- 
tance was something like three hundred miles. The day 
was fine, and the view beautiful. We called at many 
places to take in Avood and passengers ; and among the 
rest at Cleveland, a large and flourishing city, the termina- 
tion of the Erie Canal, and consequently the link connecting 
the Lakes with New- York and the Atlantic States. Keep- 
ing near the American shore, a pretty good view was often 
obtained of the country, which everywhere indicated 
activity and progress. 

We arrived at Buffalo the next morning. This is a large 
and populous city, full of business, bustle, and enterprise. 
Its importance consists in the excellency of its harbour, 
and its contiguity to Canada. A flourishing commerce is 
apparent, which must constantly grow with the increase of 
population. But other thoughts now occupied our minds ; 
we cared little for trade and business in the immediate 
vicinity of one of the miracles of nature, — one of the w^ou- 
ders of the world. Our breakfast was late in coming, at 
least so we thought in our feverish anxiety ; when it came, 
it w\is soon despatched, and we at once mounted the " car" 
for the Falls of Niagara. The distance is only twenty-two 
miles, and we soon reached this celebrated spot. Our line 
lay in sight of the Niagara River, connecting Lakes Erie and 
Ontario. This is a most magnificent stream, studded with 
beautiful islands ; one of which, called " Grand Island," is 
of great extent. I listened with great eagerness long before 
we approached the spot ; then listened again, as we ad- 
vanced, with augmented intensity of interest, to catch the 
sound of the cataract, but heard no note of the rush of 



PART I. — PERbO^'AL J^JAKKA'IiVE. Ill 

"mighty waters." Arriving at the terminus, and ahghting, 
everything wore the same quiet aspect. No unusual sound 
of any kind was perceptible, and the people seemed uncon- 
scious of anything remarkable in their neighbourhood. 
" How is this ?" was the thought. " Is the giant asleep ? 
Or have we been deceived by exaggerated reports respect- 
ing the extent of sound arising from this waterfall ?" No- 
thing then arose to solve the mystery, and nothing since has 
been suggested. And if it is true that the sound is heard 
for fifteen miles, as is often asserted, it can only be in some 
peculiar state of the atmosphere. 

Some preliminary account seems to be necessary to any- 
thing like an accurate description of the Falls themselves. 
We begin by observing, that the river divides, about a mile 
above the cataract, into two streams. This division of the 
water is not equal ; and the principal river suffers no per- 
ceptible diminution, keeping on in a straight line. But at 
the distance above mentioned a comparatively small chan- 
nel is formed to the right, and through this branch a por- 
tion of the original river pours forth its torrent. The first 
effect of this division is to form an island, denominated 
Goat Island. This smaller stream continues its course for 
about a mile, and then returns to the main channel, re-en- 
tering by its side some short distance below the Great, or 
Horseshoe, Fall ; and the precipitous leap of this branch 
stream into the bed of the main river constitutes the Ameri- 
can, or Little, Fall. 

The Rapids, extending for a mile above the Falls, con- 
stitute another peculiarity. The descent in the course of 
this distance is about fifty-two feet, so that the velocity of 
the waters from this cause necessarily becomes prodigiously 
great. But this movement is not merel}'' occasioned by 
the above incline ; the channel is, in the same space, nar- 
rowed from something; like three miles across to less than 
one as it approaches the cntaract ; the effect of this double 
process of descent and compression is to produce a vastly 



11 -2 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

augmented force and velocit}^ Whether from the wear 
and rapidity of the stream, or from other causes, no one 
can tell, but the channel through the whole of this space 
is evidently shelved and broken, forming partial precipices, 
over which the waves are constantly dashing, sending up 
their foam and spray. The agitations, eddies, whirlpools, 
eccentric encounters of wave with wave, and current against 
current, unite to produce one of the most curious tumults 
of water which can well be imagined ; and were it not for 
the proximity of something more grand and noble, the 
Rapids would be considered a singular exception to the 
uniformity of nature, and would be visited as a relief to 
the ennui left upon the mind by only seeing seas, lakes, 
rivers, and all the other elaborations of the universe pro- 
ducing their results in the ordinary manner. 

The smaller stream above described is altogether on the 
American side, and Goat Island is reached by a wooden 
bridge spanning the channel. We hastened to cross this 
bridge, and enter upon the magic ground of Goat Island ; 
resolved, at the same time, to leave every avenue to the 
soul open to the inspirations of the moment, whether of 
surprise, of rapture, or of awe. 

But this was found to be difficult. Prepossessions in 
visiting scenes of this nature are unfavourable to first im- 
pressions, to a full admission of fine feelings, of lofty senti- 
ments, or even of real and adequate conceptions. These 
prepossessions, in my case, I found to be all untrue ; they 
had all to be removed from my mind before even the 
grandeurs which I beheld, which stood arrayed before me 
in all their majesty and glory, could produce any accurate 
ideal, or excite any corresponding emotion. 

These mental errors reached to everything ; just as the 
mind under the influence of one false impression is itself 
placed in a wrong position, and consequently becomes in- 
capable of seeing anything aright. The whole scene, from 
these causes, though not less extraordinary than I had 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 113 

imagined, yet was so in a perfectly different manner to 
anything anticipated. 

From all I had read, as well as from the testimony of 
eye-witnesses, I had always supposed that the scenery 
around, the country itself, was bold, lofty, subhme, — 
whereas it is perfectly level. Through the same deception 
I had imao-ined that the waters of the river must have 
rushed through some mighty chasm, some prodigious rent 
and fissure of mountain, broken through to form the chan- 
nel, whilst overhanging rocks, hideous precipices, and lofty 
peaks, frowned in awful majesty upon the current as it 
passed ; but instead of this being the case, the banks are 
quite even, and covered with verdure, plants, flowers, and 
beautiful trees. Under the influence of the same miscon- 
ception, I had next fancied that the visitor was always 
placed at the bottom of the Falls, that the torrent fell at 
his feet, that he had to lift up his astonished eyes to gaze 
on the descending flood ; whilst, in reality, he finds him- 
self at the top, on a level with the edge of the precipice, 
having to look down into a frightful gulf below. 

Our path across Goat Island brought us close to the 
American Fall. I sat down on the roots of a tree on a 
level -with the crest of the cataract, and almost near enough 
to touoh the waters with my foot. My companion, who 
had often seen these wonders of nature previously, left me 
alone, and amused himself by walking about the island. I 
sat silent and motionless a long time, looking with a sort 
of vacant astonishment on the whole scene. The thoughts, 
" It is grand ! it is sublime ! it is awful !" crossed my 
mind, but nothing definite had fixed itself there ; all re- 
mained in the same confusion, chaos, stupefaction. At 
length, as if awaking from a dream, I exclaimed, '' How 
beautiful !" And then, "in a moment, a thrill ran through 
my soul like an electrical shock, which at once scattered the 
mists ; and I exclaimed, loud enough to have been heard, 
" Ah, yes, that is it, that is it, — it belongs to the beautiful !" 



114 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

This was a new idea, a revelation, and transformed the 
whole scene in an instant into perfect unity and glor3^ 

With this general notion, this new instrument, I began 
to examine the several objects around ; endeavoured to 
analyze, to separate, the elements, to watch the extraordi- 
nary movements of the liquid machine which was moving 
so majestically around me ; and yet, at the same time, to 
combine, to grasp the whole. Is beauty compatible witli 
sublimity ? Can the two attributes exist in one and the 
same object ? Must the sublime be necessarily devoid of 
the beautiful ? must the beautiful be destitute, jter se, of 
the sublime ? These are questions which have engaged 
the attention of great authorities. Generally speaking, 
they seem to have entertained the notion that the ideas 
are incompatible ; that the beautiful and the sublime be- 
long to distinct and separate departments, whether of na- 
ture or of thought ; and that no union, no harmony, no 
concord of circumstances, can blend the beautiful with the 
sublime, or the sublime with the beautiful, constituting 
them one and the same object. We venture to differ from 
these authorities ; and our proof, our demonstration, is the 
Falls of Niagara. 

No one doubts as to their sublimity ; the grandeur of 
the scene is too palpable, too imposing, too overwl^elming, 
to admit of doubt on this point. The subject admits not 
of reasoning, it is a matter of mere sensation. No human 
being ever beheld these wonders without doing homage to 
this sentiment. Many have, probably, been unable to 
comprehend their own sensations as they have looked upon 
the astonishing phenomena ; but they have felt their 
power, and been subdued into reverence and awe. It 
seemed almost impossible for me to stir for a great length 
of time ; an irresistible fascination seizing all my faculties, 
as if overshadowed by the presence of a mystic power, 
whose voice was heard in the thunder of many waters, as well 
as his majesty seen in the grandeur of every object around. 



PAKT I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 115 

But the sensations of pleasure and happiness are pro- 
duced by the beautiful ; and, at the time, I considered 
Niagara as the most sublimely beautiful object my eyes 
ever beheld. Heaven was most propitious ! The sun 
shone forth in all his glory, the skies were lofty, blue, clear, 
and stretched over an infinite span, an ample arch, such as 
is only seen in such climates on a summer's day. Seated 
on the roots of the tree before mentioned, I began to em- 
ploy my new power, the idea of the beautiful, and soon 
found its use. Above the^ crest of the cataract the water 
was of a yellow colour ; but I saw that as soon as it passed, 
with the exception merely of slight streaks of its primitive 
hue, and in one or two places of green, which only height- 
ened the effect, it instantly changed into perfect white. 
This brilliant and dazzling white, as pure and spotless as 
snow, was predominant, and gave its character to the whole 
scene. By intense crazing, I next perceived that the de- 
scending waters did not retain a smooth, glassy, stream- 
like surface, but broke into crystals, as the dew-drops of 
the morning, losing their watery appearance ; and were 
made brilliant and sparkling, like gems, by the illumination 
of the sun's beams. This magnificent expanse of crystals 
was next seen falling from the precipice in countless my- 
riads, not in confused heaps, but in perfect order, as an 
immense roll of beautiful drapery studded with brilliants, 
and united by the force of some common element. This 
unity and order is, in fact, one of the peculiarities of the 
scene. It might be expected that the *' flood of many wa- 
ters" was dashed against stones and rocks, and broken 
into fragments. Not so. The flow is perfectly regular ; 
and the splendid sheet of white and dazzling fluid of gems 
is seen to fall in a regular and continued stream. The 
only deviation from this regularity is the apparent forma- 
tion of a beautiful curve at the Great Fall, the bend or 
concave side being inward ; whilst, below, the flood of 
white foam spreads itself out, like the robes of sovereignty 



116 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

at the feet of a mighty prince. But this splendid robe 
does not present the aspect of an even surface ; it is gather- 
ed into festoons, as if so formed for the purposes of orna- 
ment. The crest of the precipice is evidently uneven, 
there are rocky projections ; and yet these are not suffi- 
ciently Q-reat to di\ide and break the waters in their fall, 
whilst the stream retains its unity. The effect of this is to 
grasp the flood, as if by the human hand, into folds, which 
fall gracefully dov/n, and add much to the beauty of the 
scene. « 

Here, then, is the combination of beauties seen at Niag- 
ara. Let the reader imagine a rock, with a crest three 
parts of a mile in length, and one hundred and sixty or 
seventy feet above the level ground ; then let him imagine 
some mysterious power everlastingly rolling from this crest 
a robe of hoar-frost, white, dazzling, pearly, descending like 
beautiful drapery, festooned and varicJ, yet regular in form, 
with a long train spread on the level plain below ; and he 
will have the best idea which I can give of the garniture 
of Niagara. Conceptions are difficult, perfect description 
impossible : nature has, however, supplied us with the 
power of short ejaculations in the place of all other means 
of expression ; and, after gazing with indescribable intensity 
on this glorious object, I could only exclaim, "It is like 
beautiful robes falling from the shoulders of a goddess !" 

On returning from Goat Island, we observed several 
Indian women with little trinkets, of their own manufacture, 
for sale. One was a mother, and had a fine, chubby child, 
on her lap. We gave the little urchin a piece of silver, 
which its tiny hand with difficulty grasped ; and, after 
purchasing a few articles, took our leave. They looked 
interestinof women, and deserved a better fate. Havinsf 
now seen all which could be seen on the American side, we 
hastened to cross the river below the Falls. We found a 
sort of reciprocity railroad contrivance, by which to let us 
down the hill-side to the Avater's edge, a fearful height ; the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 117 

descending carriages dragging up, by their velocity, corre- 
sponding carriages with passengers and goods. The boat 
by which we crossed was of the most fragile kind, and 
navigated by one man. Rain had come on ; but we ob- 
tained a perfect view of the Falls, being within a short 
distance ; and to me it seemed surprising that we were able 
to cross so near. A dense mist was now rising from the 
spra}^ and foam, giving an entirely new and interesting 
aspect of the scene. The rain passed off before we crossed, 
and the sun again shone. We leaped on shore vrithout 
thought ; but after walking up the ascent a short distance, 
the truth suddenly rushed upon my mind, and I exclaimed, 
" We are on the territories of Queen Victoria. Pull off 
your hat !" at the same time doffing my own, in reverence 
to the majesty of England. We ensconced ourselves at a 
magnificent hotel just in front of the Falls, and saw them 
in all their glory from the windows. 

As soon as some necessary preliminaries were disposed 
of, we went to see the Great Fall. The river at this point 
is about three-fourths of a mile across ; the fall itself is in 
the form of a crescent, the curve inward, and is often called 
the Horse-Shoe Fall, by reason of its resemblance. The 
descent of the water at the American Fall is one hundred 
and sixty-four feet ; and at this greater one, one hundred 
and fifty-eight. Below the cataract, the river is only half 
a mile in breadth, being, as we see, contracted after its 
descent, while its depth is said to be three hundred feet. 
This rush of water is connected with distant forces. The 
river forms the outlet of the waters of the great upper 
lakes, which, together with Erie and Ontario, drain, accord- 
ing to Professor Drake, of Kentucky, an area of country 
equal to forty thousand square miles ; and the extent of 
their surface is estimated at ninety-three thousand square 
miles. These lakes contain nearly one-half of the fresh 
water on the surface of the globe. 

On arriving near the fall, I placed myself on Table Rock, 



lis TOUR IN AMERICA. 

the usual and best position to obtain a perfect view. With 
all the chai-acteristics of beauty mentioned in connexion 
Tvith the first scene described, we have here many additional 
elements brought to view. The difference is in position, 
extent, greatness, and, if the term may be employed, the 
unity and perfection of the object. The lesser fall is that 
of a branch stream, — this is the parent river ; the former 
finds its way into the channel from the side, the bank, — 
this spans the channel itself; the crest of the smaller 
precipice is nearly a straight line, — this is a beautiful curve ; 
the dependent stream looks like an accident, a phenomenon, 
that need not have been, and in which even now some 
change might possibly be produced, — but the great fall 
looks like the " everlasting hills," as, so to speak, an eternity, 
an essential, original, immutable power of nature. A 
stranger, having never seen this fall, would be led to ima- 
gine that something extremely confused must prevail, like 
the heavens in a storm, cloud crossing cloud, or like the 
ocean agitated by opposing currents. Nothing can be a 
greater mistake. The very opposite is the fact. The day 
does not break, the tide does not flow, the planet does not 
move in its orbit, with greater regularity and certainty than 
Niagara. From Table Rock, or my bed-room at the hotel, 
I always saw the same calm, um'uffled, majestic object. 
No diminution or augmentation of water appeared, but a 
constant, inexhaustible roll of the torrent ; nothing analo- 
gous to the rise and fall of the tides, or the ebbing and 
flowing of the sea, occurs, but one deep, even, everlasting- 
movement : winds and storms will scatter the spray before 
the cataract is reached, but after the waters have passed, 
they can have no eff'ect ; they cannot turn the stream one 
hair's breadth, or stop its course for a moment. There is 
something perfectly awful in the idea of the undeviating 
uniformity of all the forces seen to be at work at this great 
fall. 

We behold motion, calm, but rapid, — uninterrupted, 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 119 

irresistible, eternal, — with the feeling that this motion has 
been in progress for hundreds, for thousands, of years ; for 
aught we know, from the beginning of time, or, at any 
rate, ever since the flood. We see force and power, — 
palpable, tangible, concentrated, and, to man, omnipotent, 
— always at work, and unwearied, silent, majestic, like the 
omnipotence of God. We contemplate a created sove- 
reignty, a kind of rectoral glory, enthroned ; — a powej-, 
concentrating itself at this point in lofty grandeur, as if to 
render itself visible, — then sweeping along, and, in regard 
to all within its sway, helpless in resistance ; like the mighty 
stream of time, bearing the fate and destiny of nature and 
empires into the abyss below, tlie hades of all created things. 
We follow the course of the waters, and see, at a prodigious 
depth, a frightful gulf, scooped out as if to embrace the 
descending flood, and conduct it to some new destiny ; — 
as the present receives the past in its passage onward, and 
impels it by a new impulse, together with all it bears on its 
tide, to the mysterious future. We stretch our gaze over 
this yawning deep, and perceive that the water has changed 
its aspect altogether. It now has a milk-like appearance, 
and is tossed, agitated, whirled, infuriated, — heaving its 
bosom to an immense height, and sending forth its spray 
and mist to be arched by the rainbow, and painted by sun- 
beams with every variety of colour; thus imitating the 
progress of human events in reducing old, great, majestic, 
time-worn forms of power into chaos, and then handing 
them over to other agencies to receive some new form, to 
run in new channels, and push their way into an untried 
destiny. 

Such were the thoughts which passed through my mind ; 
but who can grasp, who can describe, the combined effect ? 
We have no analogies in nature. These Falls are alone in 
the universe ; they stand in peerless majesty ; nothing is 
like them. The sublimity consists in their combined majesty 
and beauty. Their grandeur is not in the slightest degree 



ItiO TOUR IN AMERICA. 

in harmony with that of the Alpine mountains, rugged 
heights, and overhanging rocks, covered with clouds, and 
lost in darkness. It is rather as if nature had sat in council 
with herself, to create a living embodiment of her utmost 
power, sovereign glory, irresistible force, rapid motion ; and 
then throw around the representation of her visible symbol 
— instinct with the hfe of many, of all, elements — a covering 
of exquisite, of inexpressible, beauty. 

There this living monument stands, a glorious emblem 
of the majesty of God ! It has been looked upon with 
wonder next to adoration by a countless number of visitors ; 
these have all received different impressions, in accordance 
with the structure of their nervous systems, the powers of 
vision, and the faculty of combination. Many have given 
their impressions to the public ; some in classic and eloquent, 
impassioned and poetic, strains ; some, again, in scientific 
and geological language ; — but all have come short, all have 
failed. This attempt to convey the impressions of another 
soul, the feelings of another heart, is equally short of the 
truth, is equally a failure. Who can describe thunder ? 
who can paint the rainbow ? who can exhibit the ocean in 
language ? who can grasp the infinite ? God has left, in all 
his dominions and works, space for imagination. Everything 
has its mystery, — nothing its limits. Niagara stands a 
mystic creation, defying the admeasurements of the human 
intellect. But he welcomes all who approach to indulge 
the feelings of admiration, wonder, awe; — and by the 
eternal roar of his glorious music, he sends up sounds of 
adoration to God, and challenges for his Creator the homage 
of all hearts. 

We finish our sketch by inserting " Cora Lynn," by an 
accomplished American lady, Mrs. Sigourney. 

" Thou 'rt beautiful, sweet Cora Lynn, 
In thy sequester'd place, 
Thy plunge on plunge, 'mid wreathinsr foam. 
Abrupt, yet full of grare. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 121 

Down, down with breatliless speed thou goesl 

Into thy rock-sown bed ; 
Bright sunbeams on thy glancing robes, 

Rude crags above thy head. 

" Thy misty dew is on the trees, 

And fortli, witli gladness meet, 
They reacli the infant leaf and bud, 

To take thy baptism sweet. 
No Clydesdale spears are flashing nigh, 

In foray wild and rude ; 
But Cora's time-rock'd castle sleeps 

In peaceful solitude. 

" What wouldst thou think, sweet Cora Lynn, 

Couldst thou Niagara spy. 
The mighty monarch of the West, 

With terror in his eye ? 
Thou 'dst fear him on his ocean tlirone, 

Like lion in his lair ; 
Meek snooded maiden, dower'd with all 

That father Clyde can spare. 

" For thou might'st perch, like hooded bird. 

Upon his giant hand ; 
Nor 'midst his world of waters wake 

A ripple on his strand. 
He'd drink thee up, sweet Cora Lynn ; 

And thou, to crown the sip, 
Wouldst scarce a wheen of bubbles make 

Upon his monstrous lip. 

" Thy voice, that bids the foliage quake. 

Around thy crystal brim. 
Would quiver like the cricket's chirp, 

'Midst his hoarse thunder-hymn. 
For like a thing that scorns the earth, 

He rears his awful crest. 
And takes the rainbow from the skies, 

And folds it round his breast. 

'•' Thou 'rt passing fair, sweet Cora Lynn : 

And he who sees thee leap 
Into the bosom of the flood, 

Might o'er thy beauty weep. 
But lone Niagara still doth speak 

Of God both night and day ; 
And force, from each terrestrial thought, 

The gazer's soul away." 

Every book I had read, and every person with whom I 
had conversed, after visiting America and Canada, united 

in their testimony as to the great difference instantly felt on 

6 



122 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

passing the boundary-line ; and tliis change seemed always 
to be represented in favour of Canada ; while any attempt 
at pointing out the nature of this contrast, its causes and 
its characteristics, has never, so far as I know, been at- 
tempted. The fact is indisputable. It is not a matter of 
reasoning, of inference, of opinion ; it is instantly felt, as 
much as in going out of a warm room into a cold atmos- 
phere. What is it which produces the change ? The pre- 
ference is, of course, a matter of taste. The American 
temperament is by some generally preferred, and by others 
the Canadian. 

Let us look at the case. On the American side, the 
people are all life, elasticity, buoyancy, activity ; on the 
Canadian side we have a people who appear subdued, tame, 
spiritless, as if living much more under the influence of 
fear than hope. Again : on the American territory we 
behold men moving as if they had the idea that their call- 
ing was to act, to choose, to govern — at any rate to govern 
themselves ; on the Canada soil we see a race, perhaps 
more polite than the other, but who seem to live under the 
impression that their vocation is to receive orders, and 
obey. Then, on the American side, you are placed in the 
midst of incessant bustle, agitation ; the hotels are filled, 
coaches are in constant movement, railroad trains passing 
and repassing with their passengers, while men of business 
are seen pushing their concerns with impassioned ardour. 
On the Canada shore we have comparatively still life ; 
delicate, genteel, formal. Moreover, on the American ter- 
ritory, all along the shores of the lakes, the country is being- 
cleared, houses and villages built, works put up, incipient 
ports opened, and trade begun. On the Canada shore, 
unbroken forest appears for miles, while the small openings 
which have been made present themselves to view in a 
very infantine and feeble state of progress. 

All this was exhibited at once at our hotel itself. We 
had been put down in the town of Niagara on the Ameri- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 123 

can side, in the midst of an active population, and hastened 
at once to one of several large hotels. Besides being splen- 
didly fitted up, it "was full of people. In my ignorance I 
had imagined that we were to take up our residence at this 
place, and hastened to engage a room : in this attempt 1 
found it difficult to obtain accommodation at all, and failed 
altogether in securing a chamber which commanded a view 
of the Falls. We crossed over to the Canadian village, and 
found an equally commodious inn ; but the contrast was 
most striking. The saloon to which we were directed was 
equal to one of the American dining-rooms, capable of ac- 
commodating from one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
persons. What was the company ? When dinner was an- 
nounced, about ten persons sat at one end of a prodigious 
table, receiving the good things of Providence in perfect 
silence, except as broken by some common-place phrases 
of politeness. 

There sat at our table, on this and on all other occa- 
sions, an old lady, the perfect personification of the state 
of things around us. This lady had a dowager-like appear- 
ance and air, the quintessence of politeness, with studied 
movements and manners, as if she had been in the observ- 
ance of punctilios for fifty years. Her dress, head-gear, 
and ornaments, bad been adjusted as if for a ball-room. 
Our friend might have been taken from Niagara to any 
saloon in St. James's, and would have surprised no one by 
the transfer. Now these are the things which, no doubt, 
please many of our voyageurs from this country, and cause 
them to consider Canadian society as transcendently above 
that of the United States. The sight of that old lady would 
settle the question at once on the score of gentility ; and 
especially when it is added, that at the Canada hotel the 
gentlemen and ladies take wine at dinner, and at the other 
side of the border this is not the fashion. 

There is another striking difference between the Ameri- 
cans and the Canadians. In the first-mentioned country, 



124 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

ideas, sentiments, opinions — in fine, knowledge seems to be 
considered a common stock. The people sit with their legs 
across a chair-back, or place them in some other elevated po- 
sition, and talk at their ease. On the other hand the Cana- 
dian people seem to say, " Do you not know that I am a gen- 
tleman? Keep your distance, sir." Then, again, the Ame- 
rican officer never forgets that he is a citizen, and the citi- 
zen does not forget that he is a man ; their intercourse is 
perfectly easy, free, imembarrassed ; the one class never 
assumes an air of superiority ; the other never lowers his 
status, or yields up his consciousness of equality, or his 
self-respect. On the other hand, the Canadian officer never 
removes from his standing of assumed dignity, or conde- 
scends to become the citizen ; he rarely almalgamates with 
the people ; and they, on their part, as seldom think of 
stepping beyond their line, and claiming equality. These 
artificial distinctions have a powerful and obvious effect. 
The manners of the Canadian population, being thus regu- 
lated, appear much more in accordance with European 
notions than their neighbours'. This circumstance, no 
doubt, cau::es the one class to be decried as vulgar, and the 
other to be praised as polite. The opinion, as we have said, 
is a matter of taste. They who desire to see nature in its 
genuine tendencies, will prefer the one ; they who admire 
it most under the restraints of distinctions and fashion, the 
other. But it would be unjust in me to say, that the 
more unrestrained population are not polite ; for, in truth, 
I met with nothing but the most perfect politeness from 
them all. 

My companion, Mr. Ryerson, had desired that his horse 
and gig might meet us at Niagara. And being thus 
favoured, on the second morning we set out, and, by the 
help of this vehicle, visited several interesting places in the 
neighbourhood. Among the rest Drummondville, so named 
after General Drummond, called some years ago Lundy's- 
Lane. At this place a dreadful battle was fought in the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 125 

late war, between the British and American forces. The 
people have erected three or four " stands," of considera- 
ble elevation, ascended by a flight of steps in the inside, 
for the purpose of showing the battle-field. We reached 
the top of one of these stands, kept by an old soldier, who 
described the course of the battle in all its details. Gene- 
ral Scott, the distinguished commander of the American 
armies in the late Mexican war, was second in command 
at this sanguinary conflict. The old man pointed out a 
grave-yard, belonging to a little Presbyterian chapel, where 
the British artillery was planted. The Americans attacked 
this artillery, and took it ; the English commander ordered 
a body of infantry to advance, for the purpose of re-cap- 
turing the lost guns; and this proved successful. The 
Americans, not willing to lose their prize, were brought 
into deadly conflict with the British troops, in a charge of 
bayonets. The old soldier descanted on the fact, that this 
hona-fide crossing of bayonets constituted the third instance 
on record of such a struggle ; in all other cases, when a 
charge had been made, one of the parties invariably gave 
way before they came into actual collision. On this 
occasion the numbers were about equal ; they closed 
upon each other ; the steel flashed fire as the weapons of 
death struck ; the struggle was that of man to man, of the 
same blood, speaking the same language, possibly descend- 
ants of the same parents ; resolution, heroism, the strength 
of muscle, the qualities of the soul, were all brought into 
requisition ; blood flowed in torrents, hundreds fell on either 
side ; the balance quivered, sometimes turning on one side, 
and sometimes on the other; the decisive moment at length 
came, the Americans slowly retired, and the British were 
left in possession of their guns, and of the ensanguined 
battle-field. And there they lay — victors and vanquished 
— side by side, in the little burying-ground, quietly sleep- 
ing now as brothers. 

We turned aside from this field of blood, to see the peace- 



126 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

ful friiits of industry and union, " The Niagara Suspension- 
bridge." There has been a mighty amount of nonsense 
published in the newspapers respecting this work of art. 
How often have the British pubhc been gulled and amused, 
by articles respecting a bridge being " built over the Falls 
of Niagara !" The bridge in question has no more to do 
with the Falls of Niagara, than London bridge, except in 
the fact of its closer proximity. The simple matter of fact 
is, that the bridge now in progress is about a mile below ; 
and instead of being " over the Falls," is designed neither 
more nor less than just to span the river. The following 
is an American account : " The Niagara suspension-bridge 
will span the narrow gorge of the Niagara river, between 
the cataract and the whirlpool, in view of both, by an arch 
eight hundred feet long," (how can this be called an arch ?) 
" forty feet wide, and two hundred and thirty feet above 
the water. It will be supported by sixteen wire cables, 
one thousand one hundred feet long, and upwards of twelve 
inches in circumference. Its strength is to be equal to six 
thousand five hundred tons' tension strain ; and it is to be 
subjected +o the most severe and conclusive tests, so as to 
render it safe beyond any possible contingency. A rail- 
road-track will extend through the centre, uniting the roads 
terminating at the Falls ; there will also be carriage-ways, 
and a foot-path. It is to be completed by the first of 
May, 1849, at a cost of 190,000 dollars. The engineer is 
Charles Ellet, Esq., of Philadelphia." 

The work was in progress at the time we visited the site, 
not, however, very far advanced. But the frightful chasm 
embracing the river was then crossed by — I know not what 
it is called — a cable suspension, moved by a windlass 
power, like the one at Clifton, near Bristol. 

In the afteiTioon we took a last look of the Falls ; feehng 
reluctant to leave so soon. But my companion having ar- 
ranged for me to preach at St. Catharine's, a town some 
miles across the country, I felt obliged to obey the call of 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 127 

duty. This journey afforded me good opportunity of 
judging of the progress of agriculture in Western Canada ; 
and I am compelled to say, that I saw no farming in the 
United States equal to that of this part of the country. 
The land is exceedingly rich and good ; and cultivation, so 
far as it has extended, has evidently been conducted on 
an excellent principle. The crops appeared promising and 
abundant. 

We arrived at our destination in time for public service, 
and had a good attendance. Here I beheld an unusual 
spectacle ; when I gave out the hymn, the whole congre- 
gation swimg round, with the regularity of a regiment of 
soldiers wheeling to the right-about, — turning their backs 
upon me. I was startled, not knowing but the sight of an 
Englishman had either put them into a fright, or produced 
some other unpleasant sensation, till told that it was the 
Presbyterian custom, and our people had learned it from 
them. We are certainly a very learning people ; but the 
sooner these St. Catharine folks, and all others, unlearn 
this vile practice, the better. 

On our route to Hamilton the next day, we called to 
dine at Mr. Edwards's, the brother-in-law of my travelling- 
friend. Here I had an opportunity of seeing a farm-house 
and family of the better class of Canadian farmers. Every- 
thing Avore an air of great comfort, abundance, and happi- 
ness. The house itself, a wooden one, was very commodious, 
well-furnished, and, in some sort, elegant. The land around 
appeared exceedingly rich and fertile, bearing abundant 
crops. We were hospitably and kindly entertained, having 
for dinner the accustomed tip-top fare when friends of the 
first consideration are entertained, — a sucking pig. After 
a pleasant journey, (for the roads are much better in Canada 
than in the States,) we arrived in Hamilton, and I found 
myself happily lodged in the family of my kind companion, 
Mr. Ryerson. 

The Sunday brought with it much peace and enjoyment. 



128 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

I preached in the morning at Dundas, a large town, four 
miles from Hamilton, to a plain country congregation; and 
in the evening at Hamilton. It is pleasant to find the 
sweet rest of the Sabbath in these journey ings, excitements, 
and converse with men : it brings one to God, and reminds 
of heaven. Hamilton, named after the first settler on the 
spot, is a fine and improving place ; one of the finest towns, 
in some respects, if not the finest, in Canada. It is beau- 
tifully situated at the head of Lake Ontario ; is a place of 
much trade, being placed in a position to enjoy the navi- 
gation of the lakes, and to obtain an easy access to the 
United States. A railroad, now in progress, will connect 
it with the west, so that its prospects of progress are great. 
A rising hill, called " the Mountain," forms a beautiful back- 
ground to the city, the slope of which is even now partly 
occupied by splendid residences, commanding a magnificent 
view of the lake. This hill has httle pretensions to the 
name " mountain ;" but being the only elevation of any 
consideration in Western Canada, the definite article is 
employed. This whole ridge is capable of being used for 
building purposes ; and, no doubt, in time, both its ascent 
and level plain above Avill be covered with the habitations 
of men. We ascended this mountain, and obtained a most 
beautiful prospect of the lake and country around. The 
locality is ornamented by a tiny castle, the residence of Sir 
Alan M'Nab, the only native titled gentleman in the pro- 
vinces. The place is ill situated, in the vicinity of a swamp, 
and the inmates are said to be exposed to that constant 
consequence of such malaria, the ague. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 129 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Ontario— Toronto— Dr. Ryerson— Sir F. B. Head— Bishop Strachan— The City 
— Departure for Kingston— Mr. Robinson— Mr. Bolton— Coburg College — 
Kingston— Pass up the Bay of Quinti— Belle vilJe— The Canada Conference 
— The Union — Return to Kingston. 

After spending Monday in this agreeable town, we started 
on Tuesday morning for Toronto, in a fine steamer, down 
the lake. The passage was enchanting ; everything con- 
spired to make it agreeable. The day was splendid, the 
lake unruffled, the company pleasant, the shore fine, and 
blooming with a luxuriant vegetation. 

The next morning we arrived at Toronto, and I was met 
at the landing-place by my dear friend Dr. Ryerson, who 
conducted me to his own house, where I lodged during 
my sojourn in this city. I was now at home with one 
whom I had long known, and greatly esteemed. We talked 
of old times, old friends, old troubles and misunderstand- 
ings ; and could now well afford to rejoice in the altered 
state of things, the union of the two bodies having been 
effected ; and, especially, in the settled peace of the Me- 
thodist Church in Canada. 

I found my friend in possession of the office of chief 
superintendent of the government-school system, now in 
vigorous progress ; an office somewhat analogous to that 
occupied in this country by Dr. Kaye Shuttleworth. He 
was fully engaged by the duties of this post, was much 
and zealously devoted to the cause, and, I have no doubt, 
conducted its business with great ability. He had pre- 
vailed upon the authorities to allow the old government- 
house to be occupied as a training school. This government- 
house had been celebrated by Sir Francis Head, as the 
place of his quiet slumbers, when the rebel Mackenzie and 
his American sympathizers were approaching the city m 
battle array ; and where he developed the wonderful re- 

6* 



130 TOUll IN AMERICA. 

sources of his civil and military genius, and, as if by magic, 
drove the rebel forces reeling, if not into the lake, yet back 
again to the opposite shore. This was a rare man, this Sir 
Francis ! However, one would like to know whether there 
happened to be some thoughtful military officer awake, 
when Sir Francis was so snugly asleep ? whether the science 
and strategy of war had anything to do with the miracu- 
lous maoic which drove the rebels back? whether Sir 
Francis, not being a military man, shared the toils and 
dangers of the non-military inhabitants of the city, as a 
volunteer ? Be these things as they may, the house in 
which all the wonderful feats of this gentleman were con- 
cocted and performed, we now found to be occupied for 
very different purposes. It is no longer a place for the 
manufacture of bulletins and missiles of war, but a school 
for training messengers of peace ; it no longer witnesses 
such heroics as were played off by Sir Francis, but fur- 
nishes a quiet home for the development of such faculties 
as the youth of Canada may happen to possess, to enable 
them to benefit their fellow-countrymen. 

These schools are truly national, not denominational. 
The system is very'much like the British, or Borough-road 
scheme ; the Bible, in the authorized version, is employed 
daily, and the more specific teaching left in the hands of 
ministers and parents. Schools are planted through the 
whole country, so that the children of the poor have now 
the means of obtaining a good education. The moral and 
religious advantages of this must be immense ; and, in due 
time, will tell most beneficially on the state of the people. 
An educated population is growing up ; their improved in- 
telligence and morals will blend with general society, and 
the effects be seen in all their ramifications and interests. 

The district-meeting Avas sitting in Toronto ; so that I 
had the opportunity of judging of the state of things in the 
Canadian body, so far as they were developed by the pro- 
ceedings of this assembly. Poverty pressed upon the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 131 

brethren; their deficiencies in many of the circuits were 
considerable, which they had not the means of meeting ; 
and the preachers were obhged to bear the loss themselves, 
which they did without murmuring. Their religious state 
was found to be good ; they had increased in numbers al- 
most everywhere, and progress was apparent in every de- 
partment. 

On Sunday I had the happiness to preach twice, in Ade- 
laide and Richmond-street chapels, to spiritual and lively 
congregations. Whilst at this city. Dr. Ryerson took me, 
amongst other visits, to pay our respects to the lord Jbishop 
of Toronto, Dr. Strachan, a Lowland Scotchman, one 
would say by his stature ; possessing all the shrewdness 
and tact of his countrymen ; a clever man of business, 
having long had much influence in public affairs. We 
found he had lost none of the brogue of the north ; and to 
listen to the sounds of his voice one would have supposed 
the place of interview to have been Glasgow instead of 
Toronto. We were very politely received, and after half 
an hour's conversation on general questions, took our leave. 

Toronto is beautifully situated on Lake Ontario ; the 
country is level, but free from swamp, and perfectly dry ; 
the city is new, but there are many excellent buildings ; 
and King-street is about the finest in America : the shops 
of this street are not stores, but finished and decorated in 
English style ; and, in appearance, would be no disgrace 
to Regent-street, if placed by its side. 

After spending four or five days at Toronto, we took our 
departure for Kingston on Monday morning. On board 
the steamer we met Chief-Justice Robinson, and Mr. Bol- 
ton, late Chief- Justice of Newfoundland, now a resident in 
Toronto, and one of the members of the House of Assem- 
bly. These gentlemen belonged to different grades in 
politics ; Mr. Robinson being at the head of the conserva- 
tives, and the leading member of the late government ; 
whilst Mr. Bolton belongs to the Liberals, and supports 



132 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

the present party in power. They were going on circuit, 
the one as a judge, and the other as counsel. We found 
them very agreeable men, Chief-Justice Robinson being 
evidently a man of first-rate intellect and mental power. 
Mr. Bolton, whom I met again on board the *' America," 
on my return to this country, complained much of the 
treatment he had met with in connexion with his office of 
chief-justice in Newfoundland, He had quarrelled with 
the popish power on that island ; and in the dispute, the 
home-government, in Lord Melbourne's time, had, as usual, 
taken part, as he said, with the Papists. He was ob- 
structed in the discharge of his duties by open violence ; 
the popish bishop offered to help him out of his difficulties 
if he would allow his official influence and commands to 
pass through his hands to the people ; by this, proposing 
to put the judge's office in commission, the bishop being 
the chief commissioner. This he indignantly spurned, and 
determined that the law should be enforced by the civil, 
the constitutional power. This brought the judge into im- 
mediate collision with the popish party ; and disputes, agi- 
tations, and riots ensued. He was in danger of personal 
violence ; and his wife, a Romanist herself, took sides with 
her husband, and heroically sheltered him from his enemies. 
The issue Avas dismissal from office. The civil power, the 
constitution, the flag of Queen Victoria, were made, as was 
always the case in those times, to succumb to popish vio- 
lence. Mr. Bolton could never extort from the home 
government, either by personal application, or by getting a 
friend to push the matter in the Commons, any explanation 
of the cause of his dismissal, though he knew perfectly, 
that it was done to gratify, to concihate, the papists. His 
notions of the Romanists on the one hand, and of their 
friends and patrons, the then British government, on the 
other, were anything but favourable to either. 

Towards evening we reached Coburg, where these gen- 
tlemen left us. The captain had the politeness to remain 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 133 

longer than his usual time, to allow us to run up and take 
a hasty glance at Victoria College. Nature could not fur- 
nish a finer site. The building stands on an eminence be- 
hind the town, commanding a most glorious view of the 
lake and surrounding country. It Avas vacation-time ; we 
did not consequently see the young men. It is a fine in- 
stitution, and promises to be of great benefit to the Me- 
thodist Church in Canada. After regaling our sight with 
this lovely scene, we hastened on board, and were soon 
again in motion : such is life. 

We arrived at Kmgston the next morning, and hoped to 
go on immediately to Belleville, our destination, and the 
town where the Canadian Conference was appointed to be 
held. Our expectations, however, were doomed to be dis- 
appointed. A steamer had been engaged to take us ; but 
behold, on our arrival we found, to oiu* consternation, that 
a telegraphic communication had been sent, countermand- 
ing the order ; and the vessel having been despatched to 
Mo*ntreal, no other could be obtained. I had risen in great 
pain and misery, and was obliged to go to a friend's house, 
and he on the sofa all day. In consequence of this disaster, 
I had little opportunity of seeing Kingston. 

At night, an hour or two before dark, we began our voy- 
age up the Bay of Quinti, one of the loveliest pieces of 
water in Canada, and surrounded by fine and beautifully 
wooded banks. Our steamer was a miserably poor affair ; 
our accommodations indifferent ; the night wet and cold ; 
and, to complete the discomfort, a number of our brethren 
placed themselves just against the door of my cabin, sup- 
posing I was asleep, and indulged themselves in conversa- 
tion till about one o'clock. Altogether, it was a most 
miserable night. We arrived at Belleville towards nine 
o'clock ; and, as soon as we had finished breakfast, pro- 
ceeded to open the conference, and begin business. 

Most of the brethren had arrived, and we mustered 
more than a hundred men. The business was chiefly rou- 



134 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

tine, and not of much public interest. The union had 
been effected the year before, by the good-will and co- 
operation of nearly all parties, but chiefly by the prudence 
and indefatigable exertions of Dr. Alder. He laboured at 
this laudable task with great ability and perseverance, and 
happily succeeded in his exertions. In all such conditions 
of the church as obtained in Canada, there must, of course, 
be hostile elements, — passions and prejudices called forth 
by former antagonistic operations ; things in themselves of 
little consideration are elevated, in the opinion of dispu- 
tants, to the importance and dignity of principles ; imagi- 
nary interests, honour, and consistency are considered as at 
stake ; and, moreover, the separate movements of the par- 
ties will be thought by themselves to embody the cause of 
God. These difficulties stood in the way of the union so 
happily effected. When the good men, — for they are 
good men, — of both parties came to consider the question 
dispassionately, their judgment was convinced, and their 
prejudices so far gave way, as to lead them to assent to the 
proposition of union. But it may easily be seen that it 
would require a skilful hand to manage these clashing in- 
terests, and bring all parties into a state of harmony. By 
the good providence of God, this experienced pilot was 
found in Dr. Alder: his knowledge of the men, his ac- 
quaintance with the work, his influence in the country, all 
came in to aid his excellent judgment ; and a work was 
accomplished on which he and all parties will have cause 
to reflect with great satisfaction. To heal divisions, to re- 
move stumbling-blocks, to bring brethren estranged from 
each other by misunderstandings into a state of unity, — 
must surely be considered a good work, and in agreement 
with the entire spirit of the Gospel. 

We heard little on the subject at conference, except 
exultations that the measure had been eftected. The few 
preachers who had expressed opposing sentunents the 
year before, were now not only satisfied, but became zeal- 



PART I. — perso:nal narrative. 135 

ous eulogists of the measure. We heard not a word of 
dissatisfaction from any portion of the people; though I 
have understood that since, on the removal of their pastor, 
an Englishman in connexion with the British Conference, 
the people in one place have taken occasion to revolt, and 
some have left the body. On the whole, the union may 
be considered as complete, and to work Avell. It is to be 
hoped that the issue will be seen in the extension of true 
religion, and the revival of the work of God. 

I found that many, probably one-half, of the preachers 
are Englishmen. They are laborious and diligent in their 
work, are men of good sense and sound piety, much attach- 
ed to all the distinctive characteristics of Methodism, alive 
to the progress and prosperity of the work in which they 
are engaged, and prepared to endure much privation for the 
accomplishment of the object of their desires and prayers. 
They have already done much in the cultivation of Western 
Canada ; their chapels, schools, and religious institutions, 
are numerous, and on a respectable scale ; their circuits 
pervade the entire country, embracing the back settlements 
and outposts, as well as the cities and larger towns : the 
character and moral influence of the Church are such as to 
command the respect of the entire community ; and as 
population progresses, and the resources of the country are 
developed, this people must, in the ordinary course of events, 
become an increasingly great and influential body. 

We closed our business on Thursday, June 15th, at 
noon ; thus accomplishing our work in a week and one day. 
It required close attention, much evening labour, no super- 
fluity of talk, good order, and brotherly kindness, to bring 
this about : all of which were happily observed. Many of 
the good brethren seemed surprised at themselves when 
they had done ; they imagined the thing impossible. We 
broke up, as we had continued together, in great harmony 
and concord. For myself, I left them with unfeigned 
regret and entire afifection ; and they will never be forgotten, 



136 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

they will never cease to be objects of my most cordial 
esteem and regard. 

It had been my happiness to be entertained at the house 
of Mr, Flint, a member of the Assembly, and a most kind- 
hearted man. Om* pleasure was, however, in some measure 
abated by the circumstance of his being afflicted with ague, 
which came upon him at regular periods of the day, and 
produced the most depressing prostration. Mrs. FHnt is a 
most charming and excellent lady, and did her utmost to 
make our abode in the family agreeable and happy. From 
these kind friends we parted with sincere regret, and prayers 
for their continued happiness. 

Nothing is so pleasant as to recount kindnesses ; but 
when all are kind, it is difficult to select instances without 
appearing invidious. But I must confess, in parting with 
my Canadian brethren, tliat I should be most ungrateful 
wtre I not to say, that from Mr. John Ryerson, in a long 
journey through the States as well as Canada, by residence 
and fellowship at Pittsburgh, at Hamilton, at Belleville, 
down the St. Lawrence, to the very end of om* intercourse, 
— I received nothinof but the most cordial acts of kindness : 
not, I am sure, so much on my own account, as to betoken 
his respect for the Methodist Conference in this country. 
Our friend, the Rev. Enoch Wood, Superintendent of 
Missions, residing at Toronto, I found to be a very able 
man ; and universally respected for his excellent character, 
ability, and devotedness to the service of his Divine Master. 
It was, moreover, refreshing to meet once more with our 
old brethren and acquaintance, Peter Jones and John 
Sunday. They hold on their way, retain all the freshness 
of religion, devote themselves to the work of God among 
their countrymen, and do much good. John Sunday made 
us a missionary speech with as much spuit as ever, height- 
ened by the interest he felt — and caused us to feel — from the 
fact that he was brought to God at Belleville, in the chapel 
in which he was then speaking for his heavenly Master. 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 137 

Another noble evangelist, whose name is perfectly familiar 
to our people in this coimtiy, also attended the conference, 
— the Rev. William Case ; a man of beautiful simplicity, 
line sense, great moderation and charity, fervent piety, and 
most abundant and useful labours. There are men in 
Canada destined, as I hope, to perpetuate and carry out to 
a blessed consummation the good work already existing. 

We embarked on boai'd the steamer about four o'clock 
on the day we finished our conference business, and made 
our Avay rapidly down the Bay of Quinti. The daylight 
remained for many hours, so that I obtained a prolonged 
view both of land and water. The whole scenery was most 
enchanting : the banks were covered with unbroken forests, 
with rich blue foliage, bending to the water's edge ; and 
were studded, here and there, with flourishing villages and 
fertile farms. At the close of day we landed, and found a 
fine little town, situated in a singular nook formed by an 
inlet of the bay, and apparently lost in the midst of the 
forest. The night was passed in tranquillity ; and early in 
the morning we found ourselves at Kingston. I now saw a 
little more of this city : it is situated in a most lovely local- 
ity, and it may be fairly doubted whether any inland town 
in the world can \ae with it, in either its astonishing conflu- 
ence of waters, or, in some respects, beautiful scenery. 
Placed at the extremity of Lake Ontario, and at the head 
of the St. Lawrence, Kingston commands the navigation of 
both. By the river, it is connected with the Atlantic, and 
consequently with Europe ; and by the lakes, with the 
interior of Canada and the United States. Its military 
strength, moreover, gives it the complete command of the 
channel and of the country ; and in any war Avith America, 
it must be considered as the key of the St. Lawrence, and 
will cost Jonathan a severe struggle to master. We hope 
this tug of war may never arise ; if it should, the fate of 
Kingston must have much influence in settling the question, 
as to who shall be masters of Canada. 



138 TOUR IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The St. Lawrence— The Thousand Islands — The Rapids — Montreal — The City 
—The Cathedral— The Methodist Chapel— Storm— The Earl of Elgin— The 
Romanists — Passage to Quebec — The City — The Plains of Abraham — General 
Wolfe— Fortifications — A Rural Repast— Falls of Montmorenci— The French 
Habitans — Reflections on Canada. 

Our steamer from Montreal was awaiting our arriA^al ; and 
after some time we got on board, and were soon off again, 
for fresh scenes and a new destination. We at once got into 
the current of the St. Lawrence, and found ourselves in the 
midst of, I should think, the most perfect fairy-scene in the 
world, — the Thousand Islands. These islands are so called, 
not because they have been counted, — a definite being put 
for an indefinite number. They extend, from the singular 
union of waters by the termination of the Lake Ontario, the 
Bay of Quinti, and the head of the St. Lawrence, for a 
space of thirty miles. They are of every size and form, 
though never attaining any great elevation ; and are all 
covered with trees and shrubs. Our passage lay in the 
midst of this wonderful group, through which we threaded 
our course safely, though it needed the most skilful pilotage. 
Some of the islands appeared to occupy a considerable 
space on the bosom of the flood ; but one isolated httle 
thing, just standing in our course, and requiring some tact 
to avoid, looked exactly like a flower-pot, with one plant 
growing in its centre, of diminutive size, reaching only the 
elevation which its scanty soil could nourish. So tine is 
nature to her laws ! Had this tiny shrub risen higher, the 
winds would soon have levelled and sent it floating in the 
water. 

The day was clear, the sun bright, the winds soft and 
genial : could anything more perfectly remind one of Para- 
dise than this scene ? No ruined castles, it is true, graced 
these islands ; no rismg turrets, covered with ivy, mantled 
these spots of primitive beauty ; no baronial traditions, no 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 139 

deserted halls, no banqueting-rooms, once the scenes of 
revelry, of love, and of revenge, were here open to inspec- 
tion. All was simple, primeval ; — nature clothed in her 
own attire of leafy loveliness. Not a building, not a cottage, 
was seen. No ascending smoke, no signs of human life, 
no bleating animals, no ploughman's note, no stroke of the 
woodman's axe, no labours of the spade or hoe, were any- 
where visible ; silence and repose reigned in these islands, — 
which, in ancient times, would have been peopled, in the 
imagination of poets, with nymphs and goddesses, — without 
one interrupting sound, except the whispers of the wind. 
Nature lay undisturbed in her own soft bed ; cradled in the 
waters ; rocked by the elements ; and soothed by the rip- 
pling stream as it passed along. This simple, primitive 
state of things, has always been, from the time when God 
first spoke creation into existence ; or, certainly, from the 
period when, some convulsion breaking off these fragments 
from the main land, he stretched out his hand to place 
them in their present position, to show his love of beauty, 
and teach mankind lessons of grateful admiration. 

One only inhabitant has been known to dwell on these 
islands, a sort of freebooter, who made them the head- 
quarters of his piracy for some time. He shifted his abode 
as occasion dictated, in order to avoid detection ; and, 
sallying forth upon passers-by, feeble enough to tempt his 
cupidity, plundered them of their effects, and then hastened 
to his lurking-places in the islands, to enjoy the spoil. 
He was at last detected, and is now expiating his ofiences 
in some distant prison, or living at large with the brand of 
infamy upon his forehead, as the violater of the sanctities 
of a spot hallowed to innocence, peace, and beauty. 

In the course of the day we passed down the Rapids, 
rendered classical by Tom Moore's celebrated *' Canadian 
Boat Song." They are perfectly frightful. The descent is 
considerable, the river narrow, the current impetuous, the 
rocks turning the stream into foaming and dashing fury. 



140 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

like the waters of the sea on a shelving shore. A perfect 
knowledge of the channel is necessary in the pilot, a keen 
eye, a strict and vigilant watchfulness : if any of these 
should be wanting, or an accident in any way happen ; if 
the ship, from any cause, should refuse to obey the helm, 
in the smallest degree ; destruction would be inevitable. 
In one place the bend of the river is so abrupt, and the 
angle so acute, that one would suppose the vessel must go 
headlong against the shore. Such, however, was the skill 
of our pilot, that at this point we suddenly wheeled round 
with the current, and passed safely the whole course of the 
Rapids. 

We lay to for the night a few miles above Montreal, having 
other Rapids to pass, and the day-light not serving. Early 
on Saturday morning we were again in motion, and passed 
the frightful flood of agitated Avaters. No vessel can pass 
up these Rapids; and to facilitate thi- navigation, the Wel- 
land Canal has been constructed, A noble work this ! 
Vessels of great tonnage can ascend this canal, and by 
these artificial means an easy communication is secured up 
the river to the Lakes. About nine miles from Montreal, 
we were met by several friends, who conducted us by rail- 
road to the city. One of these friends, the Honourable 
James Ferrier, took me to his own house, where I was 
domiciled during my stay in the place. I found -vvith this 
fine family a very happy home. It was never my pleasure 
to meet with a more perfect Christian household than this. 
Parents and children seemed to be actuated by the same 
spirit ; the one by the most tender but judicious paternal 
affection, and the young people with devout and deferential 
filial reo-ard. 

I was immediately conducted to see the curiosities of the 
place. Montreal wears the appearance of the olden times ; 
the stately and majestic cathedral being its chief ornament. 
We went first of all to inspect this building ; and found 
that its interior, ornaments, and pictures, in the usual style 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 141 

of the popish church, did no discredit to its external mag- 
nificence. Various superstitions and foUies ^yere then, and 
had long been, going on. Among the rest, a bell, said to 
be heavier, and every way larger, than " Great Tom " of 
Lincoln, was suspended by machinery, employed for the 
purpose, waiting to be baptized the day following ; which 
ceremony was performed with great pomp, attended by 
immense crowds of people. Nothing is done without pay 
in popery ; and all who witnessed this baptism of the bell 
were obliged to pay for their devotions or amusement. A 
beautiful hill is seen in the back-ground of the city, as 
usual, covered with fine shrubs and trees. The ascent is 
filled with houses, — some, very large and splendid gentle- 
men's villas. Around this hill Mr. Ferrier took me for a 
ride in the evening, and the scenery was most lovely. We 
passed the country residence of the G overnor- General ; no 
very splendid place, but finely situated, in perfect seclusion. 
On Sunday I preached twice, — in the evening in the 
large chapel. This is by far the most spacious, beautiful, 
and splendid chapel I have seen in Methodism, at home or 
abroad ; and the congregation corresponds. It is quite as 
great as any of the Yorkshire chapels, and much more 
elegant, and well furnished. The day was, as I think, the 
hottest I ever lived through, the thermometer being about 
a hundred and forty in the sun. During the evening ser- 
vice a thunder-storm came on, with overwhelming torrents 
of rain. The thunder was so loud, that I could scarcely 
hear my own voice ; and this lasted a good part of the 
sermon. The lisfhtning^ was of the same terrific nature ; 
and some of the lower windows abutting against high 
ground, about level with themselves, the rain rushed 
through in torrents ; so much so, as greatly to wet and 
discompose the dress of many of the females sitting in that 
part of the building. Altogether, it was a most distressing 
season. 

The following day we waited upon the Governor-General, 



142 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

at Government-house, in the city. In the ante-room we 
found a fine old popish priest, waiting for an audience. 
This was a most intelligent man, frank, open, affable ; the 
very opposite of the Jesuit class. We conversed freely 
with this priest on various matters, and were pleased to 
find that a bad system had not succeeded in defacing the 
characteristics of a noble nature. On being called into the 
presence of his Excellency, v/e were very courteously re- 
ceived. Lord Elgin is, in appearance, bearing, and de- 
meanour, a fine specimen of the British peer. We had, 
however, in him, a clear evidence of the nature of the re- 
sponsible government principle, as understood in Canada, 
and as it is being carried out by the British authorities. 
He could not be prevailed upon to give any answer to our 
inquiries on the business we had come upon, nor even so 
much as give an opinion. He told us he would lay the 
matter before his council ; and we could get no further 
than this. My companions were astonished, and not much 
pleased at this ; not understanding how a Governor- General 
should not himself settle a question of the nature proposed, 
and at once decide the whole case. For myself, I confess, 
that I was neither surprised nor displeased, well understand- 
ing, that if the principles of the British constitution are to be 
carried out literally in Canada, the representative of the 
sovereign cannot act as if he were the representative of an 
absolute monarch ; he must take counsel with his ministers, 
council, or whatever else his advisers may be called. This 
principle, in one form or other, no doubt, had much to do 
in paving the way for the severance of the colonies, now 
constituting the United States, from the mother country. 
Its adoption may have the same effect in Canada ; but how 
it is to be got rid of, in the present state of things, or whe- 
ther desirable, if it could, are difficult questions to solve. 
In the present state of the world, absolute or irresponsible 
power is out of the question, at any rate, in regions which 
h ive been blessed with British rule. 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 143 

With a view to ascertain the fact, I examined the names 
over the shops and places of business, both in Montreal 
and afterwards in Quebec, and found that they were nearly- 
all Enghsh and Scotch. The bulk of the population being 
French, it is clear from this, that our countrymen have 
pushed the French inhabitants into the obscure parts of 
these cities, and obtained for themselves the command of 
the chief trade and commerce of the country. This, indeed, 
is notoriously the case. The original founders of these 
cities are now seen inhabiting small dwellings in the obscure 
and meaner streets, keeping little fruit and hucksters' shops, 
and other trades of a similar description. They are re- 
ported as very inert, improvident, and careless ; they even 
ahenate their lands without much concern, though natu- 
rally addicted to a rural life ; and, like the Irish, seem to 
claim kindred with the soil on which they have been bred. 
They appear, in themselves, a very harmless race, are alto- 
gether under the influence of their political chiefs and 
priests, and, consequently, easily excited one way or 
other, and never think of acting for themselves. Educa- 
tion, and, indeed, information of every kind, is at a very low 
ebb among them ; and I was told by the highest authority 
in the country, on this subject, tliat it was extremely diffi- 
cult to get them to employ the government grant for 
educational purposes ; the treasurer always having a large 
sum of unappropriated money belonging to them in hand. 

It will be in the recollection of many, that Lord Mel- 
bourne's government restored the island of Montreal to the 
order or society of St. Sulpice, to whom it was originally 
granted by the French king ; but in the midst of the con- 
fusions of the world, arising out of the French revolution, 
the society becoming extinct, or from some other cause, it 
had been alienated to the crown. The society having been 
revived in the general resuscitation of popery, the right 
had been restored, in the desire to conciliate popery, so 
that the fee-simple of the whole island now belongs to this 



144 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

body. I was told, on good authority, that, on every trans- 
fer of property, by fine, or the renewal of lease, the priest- 
hood obtain a sum equal to eight shillings in the pound, as 
their share in the transaction. The island being large ; the 
city now being made the seat of government ; the commer- 
cial transactions of the place being extensive; and, alto- 
gether, this being the most flourishing port in Canada ; it 
results that the revenue derived from these sources is enor- 
mous. Certainly, popery presents here the aspect of great 
wealth, and evidently occupies a commanding position. 
Their fetes far transcend, in splendour and cost, those of 
any other country, in the present day ; and while the 
Church of Rome seems in a state of decay everywhere else, 
it is in great life and prosperity under the British dominion 
in Canada. But little impression has ever been made upon 
it by Protestantism ; and it is evidently as undisturbed and 
secure in its supremacy, as if the country had remained 
under the sway of the Bourbons. The industry of the 
British people, in the mean time, by its restored title to the 
proprietorship of the island, tends to enrich the church and 
build up its power ; every shilling which is expended in 
improvements, as the fruit of British enterprise and indus- 
try, puts, as we see, more than one-third into the pockets 
of the priests. 

I found, also, that the Jesuits were earnestly urging their 
claim to their forfeited possessions. When the society be- 
came extinct, they, of course, lost their rights of property 
in the country. They were in possession of numerous 
houses, large tracts of land, and privileges of various sorts, 
when in their days of power and glory. When in Quebec, 
I lodged exactly opposite a large building, once a college 
of Jesuits, now employed as barracks. The nature 5f their 
influence, the extent of their possessions, (for they must 
have enjoyed pay and food, as well as lodging,) and their 
numbers, may be pretty accurately judged of by this build- 
ing. It is, I should believe, large enough to hold a regi- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 145 

ment of soldiers ; and, supposing Jesuits Avould require 
accommodation superior to the army, it would certainly 
accommodate, even in that case, not less than five or six 
hundred. Whether, in the progress of conciliation, — for 
so many years follovred by the British government, — this 
Jesuits' college and their other possessions will ever be re- 
stored, it is impossible to say. The local government is, 
at present, resisting the claim ; and I read, when in the 
countr}^ very able articles from the pen of one of the chief 
functionaries against conceding these claims. This is pro- 
bably the security of the country. Society at large, having 
an interest in preserving the present settlement of property, 
and in keeping themselves free from the dominion and yoke 
of the Society of Jesus, may possibly be able to resist the 
encroachments sought to be made ; whereas, if the matter 
were entirely in the hands of the home-government, nothing 
would be more likely than Jesuitical success, and for the 
world to see them again installed in the college at Quebec, 
as v/ell as enjoying all other kinds of property and power, 
— now enhanced a thousand-fold by Protestant enterprise 
and labour. 

The steamers only pass between Montreal and Quebec 
by night ; and on Monday evening I embarked with Mr. 
Terrier, Dr. Richey, the Rev. John Jenkins, and other 
friends, for the latter place. We had a pleasant night-trip, 
sitting up late to see Mr. Ferrier off, who had to land at 
Three Rivers, for the purpose of attending to business in 
connexion with some iron-founding operations ; the only 
works of the sort, as I understood, in the country. 

Mr. Ferrier, and a fine old gentleman, one of the owners 
of the steamer in which we were joassing down the river, 
had a long debate respecting steam navigation. This latter 
gentleman I found, in connexion with his father, was the 
first to employ steam power on the St. Lawrence, and had 
been very successful in his vocation. I learned from this 
conversation many things respecting American steamers, 

7 



146 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

of wliicli I had before been io-norant. I had seen that 
these vessels j30ssessed amazing space, especially on deck, 
giving them the means of providing a splendid saloon and 
beautiful state-rooms by their sides for passengers, and an 
equally fine promenade on the outside, where I had often 
sat or walked, enjoying the fresh air, and looking at the 
surrounding country. I found now that this space was 
gained by projections from the sides of the vessel in the 
form of beams or spars, and on these projections a platform 
considerably wider than the vessel itself was obtained. 
But was there no danger of the steamer, in case of a 
squall arising, turning over on her beam-ends ? To obviate 
this, it seems, an instrument, on the principle of the cork- 
jacket employed by amateurs in swimming, is placed on 
each side ; so that, in case the vessel reels, she is righted 
again by this instrument. It was told me that by the use 
of these appliances, it is impossible for any vessel in any 
weather to be capsized. The argument of these two clever 
and experienced disputants turned on the possibility of 
crossing the Atlantic in one of these flat-bottomed steamers 
so guarded ; Mr. Ferrier taking the affirmative side, and 
our other friend the neo^ative. All manner of science was 
brought to bear on the points in dispute ; and whether 
it might be more profitable to employ this species of ship, 
I know not ; but think, from Avhat I heard, that it is pos- 
sible to cross the ocean in one of these flat-bottomed 
American river vessels, sufficiently guarded by the cork- 
jacket. Our countrymen need not be surprised if they see, 
some day, in the Mersey, a grand flat-bottomed steamer, 
with a saloon as mao^nificent as the drawinor-room of a 
palace, and state-rooms as convenient and beautiful as the 
sleeping apartments of a first-rate hotel. 

We reached our destination in good time in the morning. 
Quebec is unique in its appearance within and without ; 
there is nothing equal to it in America. Like New- York 
and Pittsburgh, it stands on the point formed by two rivers; 



PART 1. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 147 

tliougli not, like them, meeting in termini s. The majestic 
St. Lawrence is one of these rivers, and still rolls along its 
course ; and the other is the St. Charles, emptying itself into 
the greater stream from the north-west, and thus forming 
the triangular point on which the city stands. It wears, in 
its general aspect, an appearance of great antiquity, quite 
unlike any other place on the continent. The streets are 
narrow, irregular, and steep ; like many of the old seaports 
on our coast, or those of France, on the opposite side of the 
Channel. The ecclesiastical buildings of all sorts — cathe- 
drals, (for there are two, Popish and Protestant,) churches, 
convents, hospitals, Hotels de Dieu, and all the rest — are 
seen to predominate over everything secular — like some old 
cathedral town in a Popish country. This feature, together 
with the military air of the place, causes Quebec to wear 
an aristocratic and feudal appearance, perfectly dissimilar 
to the trading and commercial aspect of all other places in 
America, whether belonging to the States, or to Great 
Britain. 

As soon as possible after our arrival, the friends had two 
or three carriages ready to convey us round the city, under 
the projecting rocks overhanging the road, to Wolfe's Cove 
— up the heights leading to the fortifications — to the Plains 
of Abraham — and to Cape Diamond. 

It must be understood that the angle referred to before, 
formed by the two rivers, terminates, not in a slope leading 
down to the waters, but abruptly, in a prodigious rock 
three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the river ; 
and seeming at a distance to overhang it, but in reality 
leaving space for roads and buildings. This culminating 
point is called Cape Diamond ; and, while standing on this 
elevation, on the right flows the St. Lawrence, and on the 
left the St. Charles, while the space immediately in the rear 
forms the Plains of Abraham. From this elevated region, 
there is no descent at all — the rock is next to perpendicular ; 
but farther on, both towards the St. Lawrence and the St. 



148 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Charles, the ground, in some places gradually, but often 
abniptly, descends : this descent, however, admits of roads, 
winding round the mountain, by which the summit is reached. 
I am thus particular, for a reason which must now be 
explained. When this city was taken by the immortal 
Wolfe, he, by some miraculous means, in the night, pushed 
his fleet, with his army and artillery on board, from below, 
past this Cape Diamond, with its terrible fortifications, 
unobserved by the enemy, and reached a part of the hill 
where an ascent was possible, now called Wolfe's Cove. 
His troops immediately climbed up the sides of the eleva- 
tion ; and by prodigious exertions dragged up several pieces 
of ordnance. When the next day dawned, the French 
general found, to his astonishment, the British army, vrith 
artillery, formed, in line of battle, on the Heights of Abra- 
ham. I was conducted by my friends through the whole 
of this scene. We traced the course of the fleet up the 
river, its anchorage, the place where the troops disembark- 
ed, the track of the artillery, of the soldiers up the moun- 
tain ; and I, for myself, detennined to climb up in the path 
which tradition has marked as the identical line which was 
trodden by the immortal hero, who added, by his genius 
and bravery on this occasion, an empire to his country's 
possessions. When at the top, we, in our zinmiWtary and 
■^^professional way, endeavoured to trace the course of 
events, and believe we obtained a pretty accurate notion 
of the battle. The issue is knowm. The spot where Wolfe 
received the tidings, " They flee," and then expired, is 
marked by a mean and paltry monumental stone. I clung 
with intense feeling to this spot ; looking again and again 
to the place where the destinies of a mighty country were 
fixed, by the decrees of God, in the death-throes of the 
successful instrument. There are events in history which 
turn the tide of national interests ; form the epochs of 
time ; raise the monuments of great destinies ; pillars 
written upon by the finger of God, in the annals of the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 149 

world, as the data of nationalities : and that little monu- 
mental stone on the summit of the Plains of Abraham is 
one of these mementos. 

We went from this scene to examine the fortifications. 
These are denominated the Gibraltar of America, and are 
certainly the strongest on the continent. But they are not 
much like Gibraltar. The celebrated batteries of the latter 
fortress are pretty familiar to my recollection, and greatly 
surpass their supposed type at Quebec. One would say, 
however, that these are perfectly impregnable, having been 
much strengthened since they came into the hands of the 
English. We went to the Cape Diamond rock ; and, stand- 
ing on its elevation, obtained a most magnificent view of 
the country around. The glorious St. Lawrence rolls ma- 
jestically at the foot of the mountain, and the ships in the 
harbour looked most diminutive, their masts reaching but a 
very short way towards the point where we stood. The 
country is seen to a prodigious distance by reason of the 
clearness of the atmosphere ; the mountains and plains 
alternately stretching in fine plateaux, or rearing their heads 
to the clouds. The scene also presents to view, what is 
scarcely ever seen in America, a finished picture. The land 
is well cultivated, and herds of cattle were grazing quietly 
in the meadows ; while the whole country was dotted with 
the whitewashed cottages of the French hahitans ; and 
here and there through the landscape a country church 
reared its beautiful spire in the midst of the rural scene. 
The river was seen to an immense distance, meandering its 
course towards the sea. Altogether, the view from Cape 
Diamond is one of the most splendid imaginable, and far 
surpassed anything I had seen in America. Western Ca- 
nada is, with the exception of what they call " The Moun- 
tain," perfectly level ; but this part of the country is full 
of lofty ridges, often rising to the elevation and ruggedness 
of real mountain scenery, with bold and abrupt peaks, lost 
in the clouds. 



150 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

We were taken to dine in the country, a distance of four 
or five miles, with a fine old Methodist friend, originally 
from Guernsey. The table was spread under the umbra- 
geous branches of a lovely tree, on a lawn near the house ; 
and on this spot, protected from the rays of the sun, we 
partook of our social repast in great harmony and joy. 
This was a bright oasis in the desert of hfe, an innocent and 
happy meeting of Christian friends, favoured to see each 
other once, never to meet again. This house possesses 
some traditional importance, as it was chosen by the famous 
American general, Arnold, for his head-quarters, and where 
he himself lodged, in his mad expedition against Quebec. 
This man afterwards tm^ned traitor against his country ; 
and it was in connexion with his perfidy, in delivermg up 
West Point to the English, that the brave and accom- 
phshed Major Andre, employed by the British general to 
negotiate the surrender of that place, fell into the hands of 
the Americans, and lost his life. Strange things happen 
in the course of one's existence. I had been reading, on 
my voyage out, a very minute account of these transac- 
tions ; and now it was my lot to dine, not in the house of 
Arnold's head-quarters, but under a tree by its side, which 
he had often looked upon, and, if he had not dined under 
its shady branches, had probably been protected from the 
storm. Having to preach at night, our sojourn could not 
be long. We hastened back in time for the service, and 
had a fine congregation. Here I met with quite a pheno- 
menon in Canada, — a Presbyterian minister, who, in the 
midst of the general disruption, had adhered to the old 
kirk. I found him a good, moderate, and truly sensible 
man. 

One day only remained for Quebec. In good time, my 
kind friends and myself set out to visit the Falls of Mont- 
morenci, a distance of nine miles. By this journey I had 
an opportunity of seeing a little of the state of the French 
people in the country. We called at a small inn for re- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 161 

freshment, and found it very corafortable ; but as different 
from the same sort of habitation in our own country as possi- 
ble. The farms seemed small, the cottages corresponding ; 
but the people were clean, tidy, and apparently very contented 
and happy. They are a primitive race, remaining in much 
the same state as they were in the time of their ancestors' 
coming to the country. British rule causes no innovation 
in their manners and habits ; they retain the use of their 
own language exclusively ; and are perfectly docile to the 
priesthood, and obedient to the Church. The difference 
betwixt the Anglo-Saxon race and these people of French 
descent, is most glaring. The one is a restless, grumbling, 
thrifty, and ambitious set, wherever found ; the other al- 
most as stationary as the nomadic tribes of the East. Even 
Popery fails to amalgamate the Irish and French races. 
They cannot agree to say mass together. The antipathy 
of the French to the Irish, is equal to the antipathy of poor 
Pat to the English. The rude, vociferous, agitating spirit 
of the sons of the Green Isle, cannot be endured by the 
quiet Canadians; and the priests are compelled to part 
them. There is a sort of dual Popery in Quebec ; the 
Irish being obliged to keep to themselves, and perform 
their religious duties in their own peculiar way of roaring 
riot ; whilst the gentle habitans are left to walk in the foot- 
steps of their quiet predecessors. The Falls of Montmo- 
renci are very fine, and the descent of the waters is greater 
than at Niagara ; but after beholding that wonder of na- 
ture, they appear very insignificant as a whole. In this 
country they would be a prodigy, and attract universal at- 
tention ; but in the midst of the stupendous waters of 
America, they look like a little rill, a mountain torrent, 
falling from a lofty eminence. 

We hastened back to town in time for a hasty dinner 
and a cordial farewell ; and then an embarkation again. 
Truth obliges me to say, that I never in my existence met 
with a finer people than our friends in Quebec ; generous. 



152 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

open-hearted, frank, intelligent, pious, and perfectly united 
amongst themselves. They occupy a very important reli- 
gious position ; and, it is hoped, will be the means of much 
good. I found they had begun a new chapel, the exact 
size, and intended in all things to be the counterpart, of 
the magnificent one at Montreal ; so that Lower Canada 
will, ere long, contain the most magnificent places of wor- 
ship in the Methodist world. It is intended to get Dr. 
Banofs, on his visit to the Canada Conference next summer, 
to open this new place of worship. This will, to all par- 
ties, be interesting ; as I believe this eminent minister of 
Christ was the first to preach our doctrines in this city. A 
man is often permitted, in his own life-time, to see great 
results from small beginnings in America. Taking a most 
affectionate leave of this kind people, many of whom had 
assembled for the purpose, we got on board the steamer 
in the evening ; and, ascending the St. Lawrence during 
the night, found ourselves again in Montreal for breakfast 
the next morning, at the house of Mr. Kay, a countryman, 
and belonofing; to one of the numerous families of that 
name in Lancashire. 

Before quitting Canada, a remark or two may be proper 
on general subjects. No one can see this country without 
being convinced of its great importance. Its area is that 
of a mighty empire ; for, though thousands of square miles 
are barren, and must always remain so, by reason of their 
northern position, yet still there will be left, for profitable 
cultivation, probably as large a portion as the whole of 
central Europe. The soil of this vast space is most pro- 
lific, capable of bearing abundant crops of wheat, and 
every other kind of grain and fruit, suited to a wheat - 
growing <;ountry. Moreover, this territory being inter- 
sected by noble rivers, navigable in most places, and capa- 
ble of being made so by canal-adjunct-s almost universally, 
is, of itself, an infinite advantage, and presents vast facili- 
ties of intercoiurse, and cheap transmission of both people 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 153 

and produce from place to place. My duties called me to 
pass along the shores of Queen Victoria's possessions, for 
just about a thousand miles. This was effected, partly 
by the course of the Lakes, and partly by the Bay of 
Quinti and the river St. Lawrence ; whilst at the same 
time I did not see the termination of the latter by be- 
twixt three and four hundred miles. This magnificent 
river, with the Lakes, through which it is always con- 
sidered as passing, is of greater length than even the 
Mississippi ; and is, in itself, of the value of an empu-e. 
Those who command the navigation of the St. Lawrence 
must be the masters of a highway of water-communication 
of prodigious importance. 

Every year Avill increase this value, as the return of 
every season must develop the resources and riches of the 
country. In speaking of the command of the river, I am 
reminded, that, in passing between Kingston and Montreal, 
there was seen a branch of the main channel, which, after 
running some miles, returned to the parent stream. The 
shore on the right bank belongs to America, and that on 
the left to Canada. To my utter surprise, and equal indig- 
nation, by some sort of diplomatic concession to Jonathan, 
I found our statesmen had given up both banks ; so that 
America is the owner of the entire stream, and the branch 
river constitutes the boundary -line. This is just as if it 
were agreed upon in general terms by the authorities, that 
the Grand Junction Railroad between Birmingham and 
London should be the boundary of territorial rights ; but, 
on some subsequent occasion, one party should say the 
meaning of the treaty was, that the line should go through 
Oxford, leaving them in possession of the main trunk, and 
compelling the opposite party, in going to town, to turn 
off and proceed by the University city ; — with this excep- 
tion, indeed, that the branch river is unnavigable ; so that, 
in case of dispute, the British would be altogether shut 
out. These boundary-treaties are most humiliating to this 

1* 



154 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

country ; they always result in favour of the claims of 
America. Indeed, it seems a settled conviction in the 
American mind, an axiom of policy, and one would think a 
-standing rule in the offices of the government, that, on all 
occasions of diplomacy, John Bull is destined, made, to be 
diddled, to be gulled, to be beaten. Our dandy, blunder- 
ing diplomatists are a poor match for the long-headed, 
practical, scheming statesmen of the United States. Cana- 
da is full of just complaints on this point, not even except- 
ing the famous Ashburton and Oregon treaties. 

My good friend, Mr. Ferrier, told me a most laughable 
instance of this kind of thing. The subject-matter was a 
railroad from Montreal to — I think the name of the place 
is — Rochester, [Portland,] on the Atlantic seaboard, or, at 
any rate, somewhere in the east. There lived at this Ro- 
chester a Judge , whose interest it was, as will be 

seen, to promote the business of Rochester, and get the 
trains to run to that place. But the new line had to con- 
nect itself with the line to Boston, and the Boston line was 
on the broad gauge. What did our worthy Yankee judge 
do ? He went to Montreal to persuade the boobies that 
the broad gauge is a very bad gauge, and that it would be 
much for their interest to adopt the narrow gauge ; thus 
preventing the new line from connecting with the Boston, 
and making it necessary for every bale of goods to be Un- 
shipped from one train to the other, at a considerable 
amount of trouble and expense, or else to run on to Ro- 
chester. By this contrivance the probabilities were, that 
the goods would be sent on to Rochester, and increase its 
traffic. The judge prevailed upon the company to believe 
that the narrow gauge was much the best, and they 
forthwith adopted it. The bill came before the provin- 
cial parliament; and Mr. Ferrier was so convinced of 
the folly of the thing, that when it came before the senate, 
he offered it his most strenuous opposition, and for the 
time defeated the scheme of the judge. But he was not at 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 155 

all discomfited ; he went again to Montreal, and now, get- 
ting amongst the senators, prevailed upon them to believe 
that the broad gauge is a very bad gauge : and the rail- 
road is either already constructed, or is in course of con- 
struction, on the principle of the narrow gauge. And this 
very judge. Diddle or Bibble, (his name is one or the other,) 
is the very person whose dicta ruled in the treaty betwixt 
Lord Ashburton and the States: a measure pompously 
put forth, at the time, as a most masterly piece of states- 
manship, but which every tyro in politics in Canada knows 
to be a surrender of the main points in dispute, and a most 
humiliating affair to Great Britain. 

I found the country full of complaints and dissatisfaction 
from one end to the other. The people everywhere, and 
of all shades of politics, spoke the same language. Their 
fortunes were wrecked, their commerce destroyed ; their 
agriculture, the sinews of the colony, enfeebled, ruined. 
Of course, all blamed the home-government. They refused 
to do anything, they said, to support their credit, or to fur- 
ther their exertions to obtain any loan, to assist in the public 
works ; — the execution of these was required, to expand 
their strength, and to develop the resources of the coun- 
try, but they could obtain no help. Nay, it was asserted, 
by men of first-rate intelligence, and who had been engaged 
in the attempt, that they even could not get a hearing ; 
nobody among the bureaucracy in London could be found 
to acquaint themselves with their affairs, or pay any atten- 
tion to them. Hence the only railroad in Canada is the 
insignificant line, of about a dozen miles, from Montreal to 
the place where the steamers land their passengers for 
that place. This one fact shows clearly enough the stag- 
nant state of the country. When railroads are, of all the 
gifts of Providence now known, best calculated to call forth 
the hidden resources of such a country as Canada, their 
absence is sufficiently indicative of the want of patronage 
on the part of goveinment, or of indolence in the people ; 



156 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

and, as the latter cannot be truly affirmed, the cause must 
be attributable to the former. There is a pretty general 
belief, indeed, that England has virtually given them up ; 
and, because of this, it would not be in the power of min- 
isters to get the sanction of Parliament for any great scheme 
of colonization and credit. The capitalists of England, they 
believe, will not embark their money without government 
security, entertaining the notion that the colony is vibrating 
in the balance ; and this not being accorded, probably for 
the same reason, there they are, floundering in a mighty 
ocean of greatness and wealth, for the want of the means 
of picking it up. How long this state of things will last, 
nobody can tell. The connexion between the mother- 
country and this her most athletic offspring, is now^ merely 
political ; or as nearly so as possible. All England now 
does for Canada, they said, again and again, is to appoint 
them a governor, and make them pay him five times more 
than they should in case they appointed him themselves ; 
and to maintain an army at a prodigious expense to keep 
them in order. This talk was not the conversation of radi- 
cals, of demagogues, of French republicans ; but of many 
of the best subjects of the British crown in America ; men 
of intelligence, of integrit}^ of honour, of loyalty, of reli- 
gion ; and these men are beginning openly to propose the 
question, "What are the advantages of English connexion?" 
and to weio'h and discuss those of annexation. 

It does not become me to enter into such a subject in 
detail ; but the fact is, that the recent policy of this coun- 
try — the free-trade policy — has had the effect of throwing 
all the advantages possessed by Canada, as a part of the 
British empire, (and which, as such, the people considered 
that they had a right to possess,) into the hands of the 
United States. Montreal used to be the great market for 
English produce, the centre whence it flowed to the whole 
of the provinces ; but now^ almost all this trade has found 
its way to New- York. On the enactment of Lord Stanley's 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 157 

bill respecting the admission of Canada flour into this coun- 
try, a vast outlay in building mills took place, which mills 
had just begun to work profitably ; but the new policy 
effectually crushed this trade. I myself saw one of these 
mills, belonging to one of our friends, — a new building of 
great size, and which must have cost many thousand 
pounds in its erection, — standing still. This I understood 
was generally the case. Before the new measures, the 
people of Canada could afford to purchase corn in the 
United States, and, turning it into flour at these mills, obtain 
a market for it in Europe ; thus deriving a benefit to them- 
selves from the soil of the States. The tables are now 
completely turned. The Americans are now the millers ; 
and corn-dealers from the States come over to buy up the 
grain of the country, turn it into " bread-stuffs," and sell 
Canadian-grown wheat in our markets as American flour. 
This is rather too much for flesh and blood to bear. Canada 
and the United States are now placed, as nearly as possible, 
on an equal footing with regard to commercial transactions 
with this country ; the one being a colony of the British 
empire, and the other the greatest rival this nation has to 
contend with in the world. How long this state of things 
can last, is for statesmen to consider. Canada now only 
belongs to Great Britain by a figment, a tradition, a loyalty, 
a recollection of heroic deeds ; and not by any material in- 
terest or benefit. Nay, in the present state of things, cast 
oft' by the mother country, and left to their own resources, 
with the United States just by their side, possessing vast 
political power and influence ; a growing credit, and mone- 
tary resources ; a prodigious mercantile and commercial 
navy ; an active, industrious, and virtuous people ; a govern- 
ment capable, in all respects, and equally disposed, to 
foster, protect, and strengthen all its possessions ; — we say, 
with all these things staring them in the face, the policy 
of this country has made it the plain, palpable interest of 
the Canadians to seek for annexation. This is as clear as 



158 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

any problem in Euclid. How long the tradition and the 
loyalty will weigh against the interests now put in the 
balance against them, nobody need be at a loss to deter- 
mine. Perhaps the non-election of General Cass will settle 
the question for the next four years ; but, had that gentle- 
man obtained the presidency of the States, — why, the 
world would have presented itself in different phases at the 
end of the above period. 

Whether these fears and auguries take place or not, 
Canada must have a great and noble destiny. A country 
so magnificent, a soil so prolific, water communication so 
abundant, and a people, moreover, in whose veins British 
blood flows, and who are in possession of the incipient 
principles, freedom, and laws of England, safely planted 
in the soil ; such a country must rise to greatness and 
power. The French leaven is constantly losing its relative 
strength, and the British is as constantly increasing. The 
one population is rapidly getting ahead of the other, and 
assuming the lead. This must, in the nature of things, 
fix the destiny of the colony. Our language, our institu- 
tions, and our religion, will prevail, A mighty empire 
will rise up, enriched with knowledge, with public and 
private virtue, and possessed of all the appliances of poli- 
tical power and wealth. We wish them well ; they are at 
present our children ; and, in all future time and contin- 
gencies, they will be our brethren. They will carry out 
and perpetuate all that is valuable in our system, and, 
planting old England on a new soil, will reproduce our 
nation on a gigantic scale. 



\ 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 159 



CHAPTER X. 

Return — Pass the St. Lawrence— Lake Champlain — PJattsburgh — Whitehall — 
Journey by Stage — Troy — Albany — The Hudson — Arrival at New-York — 111 
— Doubtful respecting being able to return Home — Resolved to do so — De- 
part for Boston — Embark on board the "America" — Passage — Arrival at 
Home. 

On Thursday, June 22d, the day on which we came up 
from Quebec, we bade farewell to our dear friends at Mont- 
real, and took a last look at Canada. Last things are 
painful, and full of interest. We parted from those who 
had endeared themselves by every kind of attention and 
affectionate regard, with the desire, never to be effaced, for 
their highest happiness. We crossed the St. Lawrence, 
and soon entered Lake Champlain. A portion of the wa- 
ters of this lake belong to the British ; as usual, just the 
fag-end, whilst the great body of the lake is owned by the 
States. The lines of demarcation are marked by a fort, of 
small dimensions or strength, which might easily be dis- 
mantled. This is, unquestionably, the finest lake I had 
seen. The scenery on its banks is perfectly enchanting ; 
and, unlike Lakes Erie and Ontario, it commands a view 
of mountain scenery of the most majestic description. This 
lake is one hundred and thirty-two miles in length, and 
varies in breadth from the narrow channel above mentioned 
to nine or ten miles. Many beautiful islands stud the wa- 
ters, and have a fine effect. At the close of the day we 
approached a place called Plattsburgh. The scene was 
the most beautifully romantic which nature can possibly 
present : A blue sky, deep, lofty, stretching its heavenly 
arch to span the landscape, the sun setting in all his gor- 
geous glory, the lake smooth as glass, except as disturbed 
by our motion, wild fowl fluttering about and enjoying the 
cool evening, the majestic mountains of Vermont looming 
in the distance, and all the intermediate space filled with 



160 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

cultivated fields and towering forests, — and then the lonely 
little town of Plattsbiirgh, touching the fringe of the lake, 
and presenting the most perfect aspect of rural peace and 
quiet on which the eye ever gazed. My manliness was 
here for the first time overcome ; I longed and longed to 
get on shore, to fix my tent, and remain forever. This 
sentiment was new ; I had never before felt any remarka- 
ble desire to locate in any place I had seen ; but here, for 
a moment, I was perfectly overcome. Other affections, of 
course, soon sprang up, and wafted my soul across the At- 
lantic, where treasures dearer than even these beauties had 
tlieir dwelling. During this little paroxysm, delirium, or 
whatever it may be called, my kind companion. Dr. Richey, 
had retired to his cabin, so that one of my wants could not 
be relieved, — a vent for exclamations of delight ! This was 
just one of those moments Avhich can never be forgotten, 
an Eden, a paradisiacal scene, into which none can enter 
■with one, and -which leaves its picture vividly pencilled on 
the soul. But how soon things change, and in their reality 
fade away ! We left this spot, passed on, the night closed 
in, the curtain dropped. 

" So even now this hour had sped 

In rapturous tliought o'er me ; 
Feeling myself with nature wed, 

A holy mystery I 
A part of earth, a part of heaven, 

A part, great God, of thee." 

In the morning, in good time, we found ouiiselves at 
Whitehall, a port at the head of the lake ; a place of con- 
siderable traflac^and growing importance. After breakfast 
we had to mount the stage for Troy and Albany, a dismal 
road, if it can be called road, of between seventy and eighty 
miles. The jolting was prodigious, and at the end of the 
journey I was completely knocked up. My physical man 
had not failed till now ; but this tumbling about perfectly 
disordered me, and I was glad to arrive at the end of the 
journey. We stayed to dine at Troy, a large and well- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 161 

built city, and there again took the stage for Albany, being 
too late for the rails. It was night when we arrived ; and 
being too unwell to move out, except to see one or two of 
the main streets, I had not much opportunity of inspecting 
the place. But I saw it was a large, fine, and most respect- 
able-looking city ; many of the houses being spacious, the 
streets broad, and the public buildings very commanding. 
This is the capital of the State of New-York, the seat of 
government, and of the State Parliament. 

We embarked on the Hudson the next morning, and 
descended this classical stream, the pride and glory of the 
Americans, being esteemed by them as presenting the most 
beautiful scenery in the States. It well deserves its fame. 
The banks are studded with tovrns and villages, rich fields 
in a state of fine cultivation, stupendous and rugged rocks, 
together with mountain scenery of the most interesting and 
majestic nature, some near, and some in the distance ; 
abrupt and precipitous shores, yawning and frowning upon 
the passers by ; and splendid landscapes, and picturesque 
views, enriched with umbrageous woods and forests. I 
could only now and then take a peep at this magic combi- 
nation of land and water, being obliged the greater part of 
the voyage to keep in my cabin. 

We were on board one of the most complete of the 
American river-boats. Nobody in this country can form 
an idea of the nature of one of these vessels ; our ships 
furnish no analogies, except in the fact that both are pro- 
pelled by steam, and glide on the water. For, by reason 
of the peculiar structure of the class of steamers already 
referred to, this vessel presented the aspect of prodigious 
size, both below and above. The dining-room was below, 
and occupied the space between the sides of the ship, 
reaching from stem to stern, and was filled with five or six 
tiers of berths, one above another ; the saloon was equally 
large, with state-rooms on each side. This enormous float- 
ing palace could accommodate a thousand persons on board. 



162 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

The term " palace " is used, of course, improperly, as a ship 
cannot be like a palace. But in fittings -up, in decoration, 
in ornament, it was a perfect palace : and altogether pre- 
sented a scene of magnificence of a very extraordinary 
description. 

We arrived at New- York in the evening ; and being too 
unwell to trouble any private friend, we took up our resi- 
dence for the night at the City Hotel. The necessity of 
applying to Mr. Harper for Dr. Belcher's address, brought 
him acquainted with my situation., and in the afternoon he 
kindly took me to his own house. In passing through the 
streets of New- York, it was very pleasing to see the crowds 
returning from their places of worship. Blacks, coloured 
people, and whites, were all mingled together in a long 
floAving tide, quietly and gravely passing along to their 
homes. 

By Tuesday morning I had begun to amend, and, feeling 
better, the thought suddenly rushed into my mind, " I can 
go home, and I will." But the doctor must be consulted. 
He came ; and, on telling him my thoughts and feelings, 
he said, the probability was that I should do very well ; 
but there was just a chance that I might have a relapse. 
The reply was, '' Then the probability shall have it, and 
we will throw the chances to the winds." 

We took our leave of our affectionate friends, the Har- 
pers, about four in the afternoon. The steamer made her 
way down the Sound, and we soon lost sight of New- York, 
and its splendid harbour. I found, on trial, that my cabin 
was just over some kind of machinery which produced a 
jarring and upheaving motion, which precluded the possi- 
bihty of rest ; and when night came on, I was obhged to 
drag my mattress into the saloon, but failed to get one 
wink of sleep. We left the vessel about daylight, and 
passed on by railroad to Boston. After spending a few 
hours at the Revere, and in visiting the city, we went on 
board the " America," lying in the offing, four or five miles 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 163 

distant. This noble ship had made the voyage from Eng- 
land in eleven days and a half, the shortest trip ever known ; 
and is, of her class, the finest steamer in the world. We 
got under way about four in the afternoon, and soon lost 
sight of the shores of America. 

Nothing of any consequence took place on the voyage. 
We made Halifax again in the night, so that I could not 
see anything either of the harbour or the city. Here I lost 
my dear friend, Dr. Richey, and became truly desolate. 
He had been my companion at Pittsburgh, at the Canada 
Conference at Belleville, and travelled with me through 
Canada, and forward to this place. Truth and justice 
demand that I should say, that Dr. Richey is one of the 
most perfect Christian gentlemen I ever came in contact 
with. Politeness, founded on gentle, warm, and genuine 
affections, is the very element of his nature. I never heard 
from him a rash, n-.dc, or unkind word, much less ever saw 
him perpetrate an unchristian or unbecoming action. I 
looked after my dear friend as far as the dim lamps would 
allow me to see him, and in my heart bade him a sad, a 
long, a last adieu. 

There sat opposite to me at our table a gentleman, with 
a lady and little girl, and on my right a thin, pale, interest- 
ing-looking young man, both completely Americanized in 
their appearance ; their beards were sticking out on their 
chins in Yankee fashion, and their dress and bearing alto- 
gether seemed to bespeak them citizens of the States. We 
had taken several meals in company, when the gentleman 
who sat opposite said to me, "Pray, sir, is your name 
Dixon ?" On replying, " Yes," he said, *' And my name is 
Cocker : I am the son of Henry Cocker, of Hathersage :" 
and then the pale young man, who was standing by, said, 
** And my name is Ibbotson : I am the son of Mr. Ibbotson, 
of Sheffield." The meeting was mutually pleasant. Mr. 
Cocker left us at Hahfax ; but Mr. Ibbotson was my very 
agreeable companion to the end of the voyage. 



164 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Sunday was unlike our Sabbath on board the " Acadia." 

Dr. Richey had spoken to the captain, whom he knew, and 

had told him who I was, and mentioned my taking the 

service ; and, moreover, he understood that the captain had 

assented to the proposition. But it did not so turn out. 

He read prayers himself, and finished the service with one 

of Henry Bluut's sermons. The service was well read ; and 

the sermon, as may be imagined from the name of the 

author, was excellent. How singular is human character ! 

This captain would certainly not lay claim to Methodism, 

and yet he seemed to take great delight in acting the parson, 

and really did it well. He is, however, somewhat celebrated 

for his exclusive chm*chism. About a dozen American 

divines sailed with him from the great Alliance Meeting in 

London, not one of whom would he allow to officiate ; but 

on that as on the present occasion, he performed the ser\dce 

himself. One other trait of charactev, but quite of another 

description, arose out of this affair. When the time came 

to propose the captain's health, which means returning him 

thanks for his conduct, a good Free-churchman, a genuine 

Scot, rose up and went out. He afterward told me, that, 

perceiving what was going to be done, he departed, because 

he could not in his conscience be a party to a vote of thanks 

to a man who had, as he expressed himself, "insulted you, 

by taking the service himself when there was a regular 

minister on board." The matter had little effect on my 

own mind, except in so far as it prevented me having the 

pleasure of preaching the cross of Christ to the promiscuous 

grovip around. But how truly characteristic of the real 

Scotchman was the conduct of my friend ! And, moreover, 

how honourable to his principles, his integrity, and his 

reliofious convictions ! 

On Saturday, the 8th of July, we hove in sight of old 
Erin early in the morning, and passed up Channel, all day 
seeing many spots interesting in Irish history, successively 
presenting themselves to view. Sunday morning we saw 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 165 

Holyhead. We were met, on returning home, with the 
truly English welcome of a dense fog and a drenching 
rain. Our pilot brought newspapers, containing an ac- 
count of the massacres of Paris. We had a great number 
of French on board ; they had been very gay up to 
this period ; but now an entire change came over them. 
Thoughtfulness, sadness, melancholy, were expressed for 
the moment : how lonjr would it last ? Some of the coun- 
tenances seemed to indicate the fear, that possibly some 
endeared relative might have fallen in the conflict. Had it 
not been for the serious events connected with the cause 
of this change, it would have been perfectly ludicrous ; it 
was like the overshadowing of a sunny scene by the sud- 
den rush of passing clouds. 

We landed at Liverpool at half-past two. I went to 
Stanhope-street chapel at night, and heard my present 
colleague, Mr. Brice. How sweet, how soothing, how 
heavenly is the service of God's house, after the tossings of 
a sea- voyage ! And how full of rest and quiet to the soul 
is the society of religious friends, after dwelling for a long 
time in the midst of promiscuous companj^ ! I hastened 
down to the custom-house by five o'clock the next morn- 
ing ; but could not get released till near nine. Paid eight 
shillings duty for the American books which had been 
given me by friends. Set out for my beloved home, ar- 
rived about noon, found all well. To God be all the 
glory ! Amen. 



16G TOUR IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Reflections on America— Unfairly dealt Avith by Travellers— A religious people 

This necessary to explain their state — The real Americans not hostile to 

this country — Their peaceful and prosperous condition — Education, the prin- 
ples on which it is conducted — The force of Christianity in its simply divine 
authority— The American's trust in this— Pubhc Worship and the Duties 
of Religion— Slavery partly removed by the influence of Christian principle 

A LENGTHENED investigation of objects of curiosity, or of 
men, manners, and institutions, is not necessary or intended, 
as our literature abounds with books of travel, graphic de- 
scriptions of scenery, and analysis of the institutions and 
social state of America. These productions, of course, 
take their colouring, in some degree, from the opinions, 
tastes, prejudices, and passions of their authors. They 
abound with information, but contain little instruction. 
And it cannot be denied, by candid persons, that most of 
them are grievously deformed by partial and exaggerated 
description — caricatures — of the manners and habits of our 
transatlantic brethren. 

The causes of this are undoubtedly many ; and, probably, 
if traced to their motive, would be found much diversified. 
One of these causes, however, is obvious enough. The 
Americans are a religious people; and this element can 
neither be avoided nor lightly touched. But, instead of 
treating this question with either the hand of the Christian 
or of the philosopher, these parties, in some instances, dis- 
regard the subject altogether, and, in others, treat it with 
levity or hostility. The religious notions and peculiarities 
of the people are turned into ridicule and scorn ; their asso- 
ciations for benevolent and Christian purposes are lam- 
pooned as fanatical ; their modes of expression and devo- 
tional exercises are held up to contempt ; and their absti- 
nence from the amusements of the world are treated as 
indicative of ill-breeding, or signs of hypocrisy. 

It is obvious that writers of this class are ill-suited to 



PART I. — ^PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 167 

understand or to delineate the character of a grave and 
religious community. Taking their gauge and measure- 
ment from the heau monde of London or of Parisian soci- 
ety, they natiu-aily find all sober sense, industrious habits, 
and religious sentiments an eccentricity or a bore. The 
point with this race of voyageurs is, to see if the manners 
of the plain republican are in agreement with those of the 
aristocracy of old nations ; whether they come up to the 
coteries of the West End, of the clubs of St. James's, of 
the fashionable routs of our great parties; and, moreover, 
if they speak, and dance, and play in the first style of 
fashion. Can anything be more ridiculous than this? 
What right can the flippant dames, the military beaux, the 
panderers to frivolity, have to expect a people ready made 
to their several purposes ? Of what consequence can it be 
to the morality, the honour, the greatness of a people, that 
they should fashion their course by adopting the manners 
of the most frivolous, useless, and unreal portions of our 
own people ? I^either the wisdom nor the strength of 
even European society will be found in these quarters. 
The people Avho make sport of the Puritanism of the 
Americans, are themselves the objects of as much con- 
tempt, in their own country, as pity will allow to be just. 
Like other buzzing creatures, they have just the power to 
sting; and, with a malicious pleasure, they evidently de- 
light in the gratification of their feeble natures. Were the 
disposition felt, the laugh might be turned upon these tri- 
flers, with as much effect as they choose to indulge in at 
the expense of the " evangelicals'^ of the States. 

The irritation produced in America by the liberties 
which have been taken with their innocent and unimportant 
peculiarities, is not the worst effect of the ephemeral pro- 
ductions of the English gossips, who have chosen to make 
themselves merry at the expense of good manners. De- 
ception on the public mind of this country, to a fearful and 
mischievous extent, has been another of the consequences. 



168 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Gathering their opinions of American character from the 
representations of persons only intent on making a book, 
and rendering it spicy, is it any matter of surprise, that in 
this nation most false and injurious notions are entertained ? 
The evident intention merely to provide mental food for 
our circulating libraries ; to get up the tinsel sentimentality 
necessary to pamper the appetite for amusement and plea- 
sure ; the sardonic purpose to gratify the malevolence 
which takes delight in scandal ; to train and excite the 
worse than human infii-mity which revels on the foibles and 
weak points of our fellow-men — supposing them to exist — 
merely for the sake of rendering them ridiculous ; in fine, 
the disposition to meet the morbid prejudices of their read- 
ers, instead of being intent on truth, and doing justice to 
the character of the people they profess to exhibit ; utterly 
disqualify these authors for their task, and render their 
productions devoid of credit. 

It is humiliating thus to write ; but much more so to 
knoAV, that gross deception has been practised in getting 
up even these productions. While the stranger has been 
admitted to the frank confidence of respectable and honour- 
able men, he has sometimes employed this privilege in 
making them the subject of a mental picture, drawn in the 
mind, and anon to be transferred to his journal ; turning 
into ridicule all the real or imaginary singularities of their 
manners, and making them the butt of his wit. Their ac- 
tual character is not delineated. They may be good men, 
pure patriots, worthy citizens, successful merchants ; pos- 
sessed of strong and well-cultivated faculties, of good prin- 
ciples, of courteous manners, and generous dispositions ; 
and yet all this is thrown into the back-ground, or never 
appears at all. At the same time, every trifling and un- 
important deviation from the beau icUal of dandyism is 
magnified into prominency, and, by the ingenious combina- 
tions of the artist, a distorted picture is drawn, as untrue to 
life as if the noble frame of the American citizen had been 



PAKT 1. — PEKrfOxN'AL NARRATIVE. 169 

screwed into the shape of the exquisite, who has, in his 
kindness, been taking his hkeness. In the same spirit the 
privacies of domestic hfe, generous hospitahty, and well- 
meant and com-teoiis attentions, have all been distressingly 
outraged. Not even the ladies have escaped. Whilst 
they have been doing their utmost to make their home 
agreeable, provide the luxuries of the table, and administer 
to the pleasures of their guest, — he has had the meanness 
to select them as the victims of his satire ; and, whilst in- 
dulging in plaudits, compliments, and smiles, he at the 
same time has been treasuring up matter for a mean and 
cowardly exhibition of whatever his skill could afterwards 
turn to the account of his craft, in rendering ridiculous the 
women of America. 

This sort of conduct on the part of our countrymen — 
not to say countrywomen — has had the effect of keeping 
up irritation amongst the Americans, and of producing 
false notions in this country. Nothing can be more unfair 
to a people than to make their peculiarities the ground- 
work of any kind of description, physical, social, or reli- 
gious. The staple of their qualities must be fixed upon, 
not the exceptions ; otherwise the details will be unti'ue, 
and the picture distorted. 

On reading the productions to which reference is made, 
one cannot help asking. Is there anything else in these 
people ? If so, what is it ? That there must be something 
in them besides the trifles dwelt upon by these authors — 
even supposing them to be real — must be apparent to 
every one who allows himself to reflect but for a moment. 
The effervescences of society are not society itself : the 
holiday foibles of men cannot be taken as illustrative of 
their every-day habits ; the loose and slip-slop gait of a 
nation, when the day's work is over, cannot be considered 
as descriptive of their state when braced to the labours of 
life ; the free and familiar conversation of a people in their 
moments of relaxation, cannot be considered as the ex- 



170 TO UK IN AxMiiKiCA. 

pression of those truths and principles by which they are 
guided in their serious moments ; and it could only lead to 
deception to suppose for a moment that the surface of a 
great community, made up as it must be of innumerable 
irregularities and follies, can justly indicate the forces Avhich 
are constantly at work below. Tlie aggregate, the totality 
of moral elements must be grappled, or otherwise any de- 
scription of the character and conditions of a nation must 
be perfectly fallacious. Judged by this rule, and ex- 
amined as a whole, it is the author's opinion, that the 
American people would suffer nothing from a comparison 
with any other. 

But it is, in point of fact, extremely difficult to obtain a 
tnie notion of the character and opinions of the genuine 
American, and especially from the public prints. The old, 
the home-born, the real man of the country is very differ- 
ent from the alien races which are constantly transferring 
themselves to the soil of the United States. These races 
are not always the most creditable in character, in mo- 
rals, in integrity, among the populations of Europe, which 
they kindly relieve of their presence, by transplanting 
themselves, and their very questionable virtues, to the New 
World. Some millions of these classes are now found 
located in the States ; and whatever may be the amount 
of their loyalty to the nation of their adoption, it is certain 
— indeed, demonstrated in no equivocal manner — that they 
all retain the virus of that disaffection to their own coun- 
try which, in many cases, first stimulated their departure. 

This is pre-eminently the case with the Irish. Steeped 
in religious, political, and social disaffection at home, what- 
ever may be the causes — ^just or unjust — these people do 
not fail to nurse, with the passion and intensity of their 
inflammable nature, an active and indomitable hatred 
against England. But now living on the American soil, 
these turbulent agitators are considered in this country as 
Americans. They are no more Americans than if, perchance, 



PART 1. — PEflSUNAL NAKKATIVE. 171 

the}' were transplanted to China ; and, taking their place 
in the midst of that quiet and peaceful race, they should, 
by reason of this accidental residence, be considered Chi- 
nese. It is certain, that a large amount of the vituperation 
which is heaped upon this country by the public press of 
the States is from this quarter. Partly by their own means, 
and partly by the influence they exert by their priests, their 
numbers, and their organization, they are enabled to perpe- 
tuate in their exile the same antipathies, and to keep up 
the same rancorous bullying against the Saxon, as they did 
in their own beloved Erin. Their ardent and fierce pas- 
sions, the author was often told, whether of sympathy with 
their own island, or of animosity to ours, always last through 
• the first generation. The Irishman never alters in his own 
person, whe^ier found in St. Giles's or New- York. The 
sunshine of civilization, the softening influence of free insti- 
tutions, the example of quiet and good men, and, above all, 
the blessings of true religion, are all in vain. He continues 
the same fierce, intractable, restless being as when he left 
the wilds, or merged from the bogs, of his native land. To 
hate the English and eat potatoes were the two lessons of 
his Irish life ; and if he obtains better food in the New 
World, and thus unlearns the physical lesson, he never 
changes in his antipathies, or unlearns the moral, nay, the 
religious, duty of eternal hostility. The leaders of these 
people, some priestly and some laic, possess their newspa- 
pers everywhere in the United States, and, as in Ireland 
itself, are not very nice in the employment of epithets of 
abuse against this nation. These, generally speaking, are 
the parties who are so constantly attempting to keep up 
an irritation among the citizens of America against this 
country, by their venomous hatred, then* abusive language, 
their speculations on revolts and revolutions ; and are, by 
these means, stimulating, as much as is in tlieh* power, the 
disloyalty of their own sweet " gem of the sea," and the 
Chartism of England. It is from this quarter, chiefly, that 



172 TO UK IN AMEKiCA. 

the liery stream descends upon us, and not from the genu- 
ine American press or people. 

Then is it fair, is it honest, to attribute to the Americans 
those hostile passions which, in fact, belong to our own 
people ? The real Yankee and the hot-headed Irishman 
are very different personages. It may be considered by 
everybody as a settled point, that the real American will 
never stir without an object. His love and his hatred both 
will have some rationale. He will never be found to dis- 
turb his own quiet for the sake of agitating a distant nation 
for no rational purpose. His political belief, his theories 
of human rights, his perceptions of what he considers essen- 
tial to social happiness, his ideas of the grandeur of his own 
countrj^, and of her high and glorious destiny — are, no 
doubt, deeply and vividly felt in his own soul. In fact, 
these thouo-hts and maxims live in the American as innate 
powers, as indestructible laws. But he is too proud a be- 
ing, is too conscious of his own dignity and strength, to be 
found intermeddling in the squabbles of other nations. He 
may, and no doubt does, desire that his own republican 
regime should be taken as a model system. All Europe 
and the world are welcome to the benefit of his experi- 
ments in legislation and government. In no other sense than 
this can the true American be considered a propagandist. 
It is the impression of the author, that a nation more 
proudly conscious of its own dignified position does not 
exist on earth. It is not this class who are found employ- 
ed in the mean and despicable drudgeiy of vituperation 
against this country, or seeking occasions of irritation and 
disturbance. This vocation is taken up and performed by 
our own recreant children ; with how much success, we all 
unhappily experience. 

Thus, by the agency of the two classes referred to, the 
British travellers on the one part, and the Irish residents 
on the other, the two countries are, in some degree, kept 
in a state of feverish excitement. This is painful to the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 173 

real friends of both. Essentially one people, the bonds of 
union ought, by the removal of offences and jealousies, to 
be as much as possible tightened. The relationship is 
too natural, too dear and valuable, and connected too much 
with th(; happiness and advantage of both, to be allowed 
either to be severed or shaken by such agitators as these. 
It is easy to see, that the maintenance of peaceful and 
friendly relations between the only two great communities in 
which any real reciprocity of feeling, founded on religion 
and liberty, can possibly exist, must conduce, in every way, 
to the well-being and prosperity of both. 

The past jealousies of the two countries have not been 
imnatural, but now ought to end. The war of independ- 
ence, originating, as it did, in great questions of right on the 
one hand, and of independence on the other, was calculated 
to awaken every passion of the soul. Time alone could, of 
course, quench the fire thus kindled. Surely the cool 
breezes of seventy winters may be supposed sufficient to 
put out the flames then lit up. The two nations may, 
possibly, have separate interests to serve ; this must be the 
case ; but it is certain, that those which are common are 
much more numerous and durable. The political inde- 
pendence, the national freedom, the good government, the 
social happiness, the intellectual advancement, the moral 
and religious order and prosperity, of each, concurrently 
progressing, must necessarily act and re-act upon commu- 
nities so identical in character. These higher considerations 
may be strengthened by lesser ones. The trade and com- 
merce of Great Britain and the States will, in all likelihood, 
ebb and flow together. At any rate, it must be an infinite 
advantage to each to have the other for a customer. With- 
out these political and material ties, it is too much, per- 
haps, to expect nations to regard each other with much 
concern. The idea of a nation is, indeed, an abstraction; 
as a reality, it is only an aggregation of individuals ; and 
men, all over the world, are certain to seek their own inte- 



174 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

rests. It follows, that the reciprocity and friendship of 
nations must rest on the very vulgar fact of mutual bene- 
fits. It does not belong to the mere traveller to discuss 
these questions ; but he may easily see, that the good of 
one community is the good of both ; and, moreover, be 
pardoned if he modestly venture upon the task of advising, 
that the leading and active spirits, who, in both countries, 
have, and must continue to have, the main responsibility 
of fashioning the destinies of the two nations, may steer 
clear of all collisions, in the recollection, that on the peace, 
harmony, religion, industry, freedom, and moderation, of the 
Anglo-Saxon people, in the two hemispheres, hang the 
destinies of the human race. 

A real, confiding, well-understood, and permanent union 
of Great Britain and America must not only secure their 
own greatness and prosperity, but indefinitely promote the 
freedom and civilization of the world. The geographical 
position of the two nations, their addiction to trade, their 
instinctive maritime propensities, their adventurous spirit, 
their love of enterprise, must fit them to act together. But, 
more then this, the real identity of their opinions, though 
in some points seeming to differ, must prepare them to live 
in unity and love. This identity of sentiment and feeling 
may be seen in one single fact — the love of freedom. It 
would puzzle the finest optician to invent an instrument ex- 
actly to see the difference in this affection, as existing in 
the two countries. They may, and, indeed, do, differ in 
their opinions as to the best means of securing this inesti- 
mable prize ; but none as to its nature, its value, its neces- 
sity, its eternal oneness with the laws of nature and the will 
of God. On all these points the two peoples are fully 
agreed. Freedom, in each country, is a truth — a principle 
— a right. Existence without liberty, in either hemisphere, 
would be deemed a curse, and not a blessing ; the despot 
would be abhorred, antagonized, and destroyed. While 
these sentiments prevail, is it worth while for the two na- 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 175 

tions to quarrel respecting the means employed by either, 
to secure the end they have in view ? The moral grounds 
for harmony and concord are, or ought to be, much more 
potent than even the political ones for disunion and discord. 
The one class of motives rests on the eternal laws of truth, 
religion, honour, and brotherhood ; the other, on the acci- 
dents and interests of the houi*. 

It is to be earnestly desired, that these considerations 
may have the effect of drawing the two countries together 
in uninterruptedly amicable relations. We are, in tmth, 
the same people. In mind, in character, in habits, in 
modes of thought, there is infinitely more resemblance 
betwixt the British and the American populations, than 
can be found between either and any other nation. It 
cannot be otherwise, without a perpetual miracle. Spnmg 
from a common parentage, the same tide of life flowing in 
the veins of each, the wonderful and mysterious type of 
soul which is so evidently possessed by races dwelling in 
both, each speaking the same language, and instructed and 
trained by the same master mind which lives and speaks 
in their common mother tongue ; — the political institutions 
of the older people the models of the younger community ; 
— the laws of the one country transplanted to the soil, and 
constituting the code, of the other ; — and, above all, the 
same religious sentiments which were embraced by the 
British people at the Reformation, and adopted before the 
pilgrim fathers took their departure to the New World, and 
still retained as the popular faith of both branches of the 
family : — All these things considered, how can it be other- 
wise than that next to a perfect identity should exist ? 

Nature is never untrue to herself, never obliterates her 
own impress, never does violence to her undying emotions. 
Is it in human nature for the American repubhc to reflect 
upon the birth-place and cradle of her existence, the father- 
land of her sires, to trace their own pedigrees and repeat 
their own names, without a thrill of interest and feeling, 



176 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

which cannot be experienced in the case of any other coun- 
try than our own ? This is impossible. No man, however 
far he may wander, ever forgets his homestead, the scenes 
of his boyhood, the companions of his days of happy frohc 
and joy ; and, especially, he never forgets the endearments 
of maternal love. Tradition keeps alive what nature gives 
birth to ; and it is just as credible, that the Americans are 
an abortion of nature, as that they can ever cease to vene- 
rate and love the land of their sires. We have had proof 
that this monstrous perversion has not in reality taken 
place. It is the author's undoubted belief, that a profound 
affection towards this country lives in the real American 
mind. Beneath political agitations, jealousies, and mo- 
mentary ebullitions of spleen and opposition, there remains, 
in the depths of the human soul itself, the sure pledge, the 
indubitable guarantee, of reciprocal love. 

We say " reciprocal love." It is not to be expected, that 
the American people should continue to cherish good feeling 
towards us, if their fraternal regard is rudely or contemp- 
tuously met. From several causes, it is to be feared, that 
our disposition towards them is less kindly than theirs to- 
wards us. They can better afford to indulge in generous 
feelings than we can. Not to dwell on the fact that they 
were the victors in the painful strife which separated them 
from the mother country ; — their jDrodigious growth and 
expansion ; the vast augmentation of political power and 
influence acquired in a few years ; the immense improve- 
ment in their trade and commercial navy ; the successfiu 
trial of their principles of government, and their develop- 
ment on a constantly enlarging sphere of territory and 
population ; in fine, the entire success of the " great experi- 
ment," so emphatically referred to by Washington, when 
laying the foundations of the republic, may well lead to 
generous emotions, not to say complacency. But there are 
other causes of the trial of our feelings in regard to Ame- 
rica. It is to be feared, that the British population, in 



PART I. — rERSONAL NARRATIVE. 177 

general, know infinitely less of the Americans than they 
know of lis. Silly traditions, old prejudices, and the very 
natural pride and egotism of our nation, lead us often to 
take a perfectly false estimate of our kinsmen in the ISTew 
World. Family quarrels and feuds, by general consent, 
are allowed to be more difficult to appease than any other. 
And, in the case of the American people, if nature is ex- 
pected to predominate over political antipathies and jea- 
lousies, by the recollection of home, of descent, of their 
fatherland, ought not this to be mutual ? Can we forget, 
or fail to be influenced by the consideration, that the New 
World has become, and is likely to become more and more, 
the home of vast numbers of our own children ? The 
young life of England is pouring into the States like a deejj 
and rapid torrent. Families and individuals from the old 
country are everywhere found, and in every possible va- 
riety of position and employment. The writer of these 
pages can never forget the intense eagerness and depth of 
feeling manifested by great numbers of these classes, and 
the joy connected with the mere opportunity of giving ex- 
pression to their attachment to their country. If it was 
discovered that I had been at the place of their nativity, 
knew any of their relations or friends, and especially if any 
of them had ever seen me before, their ecstas}^ seemed 
complete. Are we to forget, then, our children in the 
midst of our political hatreds ? England lives in America, 
and is likely to do so to a greater extent than ever. The 
soil which feeds and nourishes myriads of our own flesh 
and blood, who otherwise must perish ; a system which 
admits them to its privileges, and adopts them as brethren ; 
institutions which encourage their industry, foster their 
talents, and reward their public and private virtues ; a 
nation which lays open all its avenues of profit, employ- 
ment, honour, and distinction, of every sort, to our needy 
or adventurous sons ; such a land is not to be thought of 
bv us otlierwise than with profound interest and regard. 

8^^ 



178 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

The motives that lead the parent to follow his children 
with anxiety into the world, when they first leave his 
house, may well cause us, in the same spirit, to send our 
thoughts after our children, so numerously seeking their 
destiny in the United States. 

It has been already said, that the "Americans are a 
religious people." Their character, habits, and institutions, 
cannot possibly be understood, without taking this element 
into consideration. Persons who only look at the forms, 
the skeleton and frame-work, of society, and consider its 
strength and perfection to lie in these, will necessarily con- 
clude, that America is a heterogeneous mass of human 
beings, devoid of shape and symmetry. To parties whose 
lives have been spent in old nations, whose governing 
power, from time immemorial, has been external, and their 
means coercion, this is a very natural conclusion. The 
public order, morality, peaceful demeanour, and industrious 
habits of a people in these old societies, are all supposed, 
by their theories of government, to be enforced, — to be 
worked into the mind of the body politic by appliances 
from witJiout. Government, in these cases, is like the dex- 
terous avocation of the herdsman or the hunter ; who, in 
the one case, pens in his animals, and only allows them to 
graze at his pleasure, and, in the other, circumvents them 
by his cunning and art. How far the state of these old 
countries has made this essential, it is not for us to discuss ; 
but, at any rate, if the necessity exists, it does not speak 
much for the intelligence and morality of the people. The 
pageantries of state, the trappings of royalty, the draperies 
and ornaments of decorated officials, — together with the 
infinite and endless, soulless ceremonies to be observed, — 
are all, no doubt, brought in to heighten the impression, 
and strike the senses of the vulgar. Those who place the 
power of good order and national security in these external 
things, will, as a corollary, think of the United States as a 
most lawless community. Not having the insignia of order, 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 179 

as found in their own country, they may, perchance, ima- 
gine that the substance is absent. 

It was the fortune, good or ill, of the present writer, to 
pass from Boston to Pittsburgh, and, of consequence, 
through all the intermediate space, embracing most of the 
cities, towns, and country of the older States, without set- 
ting his eyes on a single soldier, liveried policeman, or any 
other human being wearing the dress of authority. At the 
last-mentioned place he saw an assembly of volunteers, 
horse and foot ; and, on inquiry, found that they had turned 
out to do honour to the remains of one of their neighbours, 
an officer, who had lost his life in the Mexican war, and 
had been brought home for sepulture. But though there 
was not the slightest appearance of anything in the form 
of external coercion through all the space mentioned, so- 
ciety lay as unruffled, as peaceful and quiet, as one of their 
own beautiful lakes on a summer's evening. Let it not be 
imagined that this repose is the stillness of death. Pro- 
bably no equal number of men on earth are so active, so 
fully engaged, or have more various and complex business 
transactions, than this population. Industrious, eager for 
wealth, proud of distinctions, and sensible of the benefits 
of a good standing in society, these people are working 
their way up the hill ; and yet there is no visible, certainly 
no military, force to keep them in order. 

Here, then, are phenomena to be solved. How is this ? 
What is the power leading to this state of things ? The 
answer to these questions will vary with the creed of the 
parties putting them. The political philosopher will look 
to his theories for a solution, and attribute the power and 
advancement of society to ci\al institutions, to the republi- 
canism of the country. He will say that the principles and 
provisions of this system, lying at the basis of the body 
pohtic, and extending their ramifications through the whole, 
are the motive power of the existing hfe, contentment, and 
happiness of the people. The economists, the merchants. 



180 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

the men of trade, the dealers in money, and the jobbers in 
all sorts of speculations, will, in their turn, call in to aid the 
investigation ideas and notions taken from the wide-spread 
territories of the States, the fertility of the soil, the extent 
and usefulness of their rivers, the spaciousness of their 
harbours, mines, forests, manufactures, farms, and all the 
other agencies of industry and wealth. 

Without in the least depreciating the importance and 
v^alue of all these things ; and, moreover, allowing them 
their just share in producing the existing prosperity of the 
country ; we must avow our skepticism as to the power of 
these means to create the greatness and the happiness of 
the American nation. It is, indeed, an unspeakable ad- 
vantage to be saved from the pressure of a crowded, and, 
as a consequence, a pauper population. This is fully en- 
joyed. Every man has scope for his enterprise without 
treading upon the heels of his neighbour, or injuring his 
prospects by competition. Every family has room for de- 
velopment ; the young can be profitably employed, and the 
certainty of success presents itself to stimulate their in- 
dustry and activity. There is a sufficiency of soil for 
the scions of every house to take root and spread their 
branches ; and, in case of suitable culture, the sunshine 
of heaven, its dews, and its rains, they are certain to 
rise to maturity. No kind of genius, of skill in the arts, 
of inventive powers, of mechanical capacity, of eminence 
in the professions, of governing talent, of senatorial elo- 
quence, or intellect of any other kind, can possibly go un- 
requited. There may be rivalries, contentions, and fierce 
gymnastic-like trials of strength, for the higher prizes of 
the world ; but there is an area of sufficient space to occu- 
py the population in the ordinary courses of life ; whilst 
great numbers have been trained in these normal schools, 
to aspire to the more honourable posts. 

Then, allowing for all the advantages referred to, we 
ask, Are thev of themselves sufficient to account for the 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 181 

peaceful and progTessive state of society, as it is seen in the 
United States ? I confess, I am not persuaded of their 
sufficiency. There must be something else, more profound, 
more permanent, more influential over men's souls, — some- 
thing more deeply imbedded in the moral sentiments of 
the people, more divine, than anything we have mentioned. 
If, in the absence of external coercion, society is found to 
be moral and quiet, then these virtues cannot arise from 
this cause. If not guided by the skill and the power of a 
master, men must be the masters of their own movements ; 
and in case these movements are in the paths of wisdom, 
gsod order, peace, and morality, to what does this lead us ? 
It leads to the inevitable conclusion, that moral sentiment 
is the guiding light and the sustaining power of such a 
community. But then is it possible for morality to have 
any vitality without religion ? We think not. A morality 
Avhich is not based on the doctrines of Christianity is a 
baseless fabric, a sapless tree, a lifeless mummy ; in fine, a 
contradiction, a falsehood. But we are not left to specula- 
tion on these points. Inferences in many cases may be 
pretty truly drawn ; but we prefer facts. 

It is, then, an undoubted fact, that the American people 
do pay great regard to religion ; and as this, like every- 
thing else, is with them a personal and not a conventional 
concern, it is all the more energetically promoted. It 
seems a principle of Americanism, that the obligations of 
our nature are untransferable. An American never dreams 
of putting his social or religious obligations into commis- 
sion. He never considers himself as having denuded him- 
self of his responsibilities, when he has given his vote for a 
president, and taken his share in constructing a govern- 
ment. Even his political duties are not, in his own estima- 
tion, put in abeyance by these transactions, much less his 
moral and religious. He does not expect the government 
to serve God for him, or to take into its hands the task of 
publicly providing for that conservation of morality and 



182 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

religion which he knows can only be secured by personal 
exertions. 

According to American ideas, the state does not consist 
of public functionaries, whether civil or ecclesiastical, but 
of the people. The souls and bodies of the population, 
unitedly, constitute the State : not a function, not an 
office. In the State making provision for this or the other, 
the American would include himself. He has no notion 
of public men taking his place, and relieving him of the 
burden of his own intelligence, conscience, humanity. 

This is a living power. It is refreshing even to look upon 
a true and real American, with his swinging gait, in the full 
consciousness of his manhood. There is something even in 
his appearance different from other people. It is not reck- 
lessness, not rudeness, not isolation, not misanthropy. No- 
thing of this sort is seen. And yet there is an air of per- 
fect independence and freedom, consciousness of strength 
and power, repose in the midst of activity, calmness and 
dignity with profound emotions. An American, more than 
any character it was ever my happiness to study, looks like a 
man who ir sensible that he carries his own destinies about 
him ; that he is complete in himself ; that he is a self-act- 
ing, self-moving intelligence ; that he has to shape his own 
course, and become the architect of liis own fortune. He 
does not seem to be looking without to catch the chances 
of some stray events by which to fashion his life : his 
thoughts are steadily fixed upon strengthening his own re- 
sources, and he is always laying in a stock for the voyage 
he is upon. The effect of this is to produce (I hardly 
know what to call it) a rotundity, a fulness, a complete- 
ness of manhood, not seen in other societies ; and to those 
who do not comprehend him, or who have only been ac- 
customed to the fawning flatteries — and as false as they are 
fawning — of other nations, all this is extremely offensive. 

Enter an American store, and, instead of being baited, 
wheedled, and deceived, the language, as expressed by 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 183 

action, is, " You may buy, if you please. It is your own 
concern ; do as you like." It came to the author's know- 
ledge, — and the fact will illustrate our point, — that a 
very popular traveller and writer, who was receiving the 
incense of the fashionable world in the States next to ado- 
ration, in the midst of this excitement, sent for a grave 
tradesman to wait upon him at his rooms ; no doubt with 
the intention of entering into some business arrangements. 
What was the reply ? In spirit, " My compliments to 

Mr. , and inform him it is not the custom of our house 

for one of its principals to seek or receive orders in such 

circumstances. If Mr. wishes to do business with 

us, or has anything to propose, he must come to us ; we 
shall be glad to see him." " How rude !" says one of the 
gentlemen of "the trade," in "the Row," or at the West 
End. Well, the question of rudeness must be settled be- 
twixt the two parties. It is just possible that the Ameri- 
can might think it as rude to be summoned to attend the 
English traveller, as the latter considered it in him. We 
only select this instance of independence as illustrative of 
character. It is a general trait. 

Instead of moving and acting like the members of the 
body at the bidding of some other head or will than his 
own ; instead of being dragged along, like the helpless 
travellers of a railroad train, by forces independent of him- 
self, the American chooses to consult his own counsels, to 
examine his own course, and to move the machine intrusted 
to him by his Creator by his own free volitions. All this 
may either be good or bad. In case the forces which are 
thus put in motion are fitted to move aright, it is easy to 
see that the results must be vastly important. Man, free, 
unfettered, acting on his own convictions, supposing them 
to be wise and good, must possess a power which men in 
chains, or working in gangs like slaves in a plantation, can- 
not enjoy. This individualism is, in point of fact, the lead- 
ing feature of American character. The true son of the 



184 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

soil never parts ^\iih it. The combinations, confederations, 
unions, and committees into which pohtics or commercial 
enterprises drive him, never despoil him of his identity. 

How then, seeing that every American is expected to 
act for himself, is he prepared to take his post ? Let us 
examine this point. Its solution is Avhat we want to get 
at. Is he let loose on the world, a mere animal, to prey 
upon its vitals, or is he religiously prepared ? This leads 
us to the question of education. Great attention is paid 
by the Americans to this vital subject. What would be 
called in this country national education, universally pre- 
vails. Schools are provided at the public expense ; and 
though this people have a proverbial antipathy to taxation, 
yet they willingl}^ tax themselves for this purpose. The 
system so often attempted here, on the model of some of 
the continental nations, is not the system of America. 
They have not established a central power, or educational 
department, under a minister of state, or anything analo- 
gous to our Committee of Privy Council. The people 
manage their own affairs in this as in other things. The 
municipal bodies and the parochial authorities have the 
power to assess themselves for educational purposes. This 
is done on a broad scale ; in the elder States the provision 
is universal, so that every child may, if his parents choose, 
obtain the advantages of a good common education. And 
inasmuch as every inhabitant is obliged to pay his share of 
the expense, whether he avails himself of the school or 
not, this is found to operate against parental neglect. But 
the advantages are so obvious ; the popular voice against 
ignorance, and in favour of knowledge, is so influential; 
the duties of citizenship, in which all share, are so pressing, 
and its honours so tempting ; that every parent is induced 
to place his children in one of these schools. 

Zealous partisans would probably say, that these are 
not religious schools, because particular creeds are not 
enforced. This would be impossible, in a country where 



PART I.— PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 185 

no creed possesses a pre-eminence, or is sanctioned by the 
State. But if the Holy Scriptures constitute the basis of 
Christianity, then these are Christian schools, notwithstand- 
ing the absence of creeds. The Bible is read daily, it is 
the standard book, the foundation of everything ; and its 
divine authority is thus universally taught, and its sacred 
lessons constantly inculcated. True to their principles, the 
Romanists at New-York, some time ago, attempted to get 
the Bible banished from the public schools. In this they 
failed ; for though by their union and compactness they 
possess much strength, and on merely political questions, 
by throwing their weight into one scale, they have it in 
their power to turn the balance, — on this point, which was 
deemed a religious one, and on v/hich all the Protestants 
were agreed, they utterly failed in their unholy attempt. 

This educational provision, being purely popular, may 
be taken as an indication of the public mind on a great 
religious question. Instead of leaving their children to go 
astray from their birth, we see that Christian instruction is 
provided for them, as an essential and national blessing. 
This does not seem as if the people were indifferent to 
Christianity ; and, moreover, it proves that they desire to 
seize the most fitting time in the life of man to inculcate its 
sacred lessons. This, no doubt, is one of the healing ingre- 
dients thrown into the troubled waters, one of the moral 
forces which ever after works in determinincr the character 
of the individual, the state of domestic life, and the condi- 
tions of society. And instead of indifference in this one 
arrangement, we see religion, in its most catholic form, 
employed as an instrument of national order, virtue, and 
peace ; and, that a useful and virtuous citizenship is not 
expected without the employment of suitable means. 

We are considering the question of religion. Do the 
Americans trust to the processes of secular knowledge, or 
the power of merely human means, for the maintenance of 
public order, and social prosperity ? The answer to this 



186 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

question stands out in bold relief. In every city, small 
and great, are seen large and spacious public buildings ; 
and, on inquiry, the stranger is told that these are the 
common day-schools of the place. On entering, he finds 
that, besides the routine of a very good educational system, 
embracing the usual matters of secular instruction, the 
Scriptures are taught to the whole population ; God speak- 
ing to them in the impressive lessons of his own word. 
Here the work of Christianity begins. Can any one calcu- 
late the amount of influence produced on the public mind, 
and on the moral state of a great people, by this one living, 
active, pervading agency ? Religion is here brought to 
operate upon the youthful heart in its blandest and most 
winning, attractive form ; namely, that of the words of 
Scripture. It is not so very evident as some persons seem 
to imagine, that the best way to impress the mind of chil- 
dren is to drill them to get by heart some metaphysical, 
crabbed dogmas of theology, which neither themselves nor 
their teachers can in the least degree comprehend. Yet, 
inihe jargon of our sectarianism, this is called teaching re- 
ligion, while the reading of the Bible itself is considered as 
not teaching religion at all ; and schools only using the 
word of God, with prayer, are said to be secular. Cer- 
tainly, Americans do not think so. The Holy Scriptures 
are a reality with them ; and by their conduct, we have 
reason to think that they place more confidence in the di- 
vine teaching of these "lively oracles" of God, than they 
do in the step-by-step process of Catechisms, all of which 
begin at the wrong end ; commence at the top, and build 
downwards ; start with the highest abstractions on the 
divine essence and attributes, and then from this elevation 
lead the poor little inquirer down into the details and facts 
of revelation. Is not a population, formed on the incul- 
cation of the Scripture, as likely to become real Christians 
and good citizens, as a population drilled in the abstractions 
of any existing Catechism ? There is a breadth, a fulness, 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 187 

a simplicity, and especially a divinity, in the word of God, 
whicli cannot be found anywhere else ; and, least of all, in 
the hare-hone, skeleton-like lessons propounded to the poor 
children of this nation. On the whole, then, it must be 
seen that the entire American people are trained in religion 
from their childhood, if the Bible teaches it. At any rate, 
an impression is made as to the divine authority of this 
holy book, that it is the word of God, the charter of salva- 
tion, the guide to heaven, and the only rule of faith and 
practice binding on the human conscience. One would 
think this is doing something towards forming society, and 
building the morals, happiness, and progress of the nation 
on our glorious Christianity. 

But besides the care taken of the young, we find that 
Christianity pervades the United States in vigorous action. 
This is seen in the numbers attending public worship, in 
the extent of chuirli -communion, in the observance of the 
sacraments of the Cliiirch, in the respect paid to the Sab- 
bath, in the number and variety of religious and charitable 
institutions, in the placing of their collegiate and higher 
educational departments under the care generally of reli- 
gious men, in the diffusion and influence of a Christian 
literature ; and, in fine, by the depth and extent of reli- 
gious feeling and principle. By these means, Christianity, 
it is evident, touches and influences the entire social and 
political state. 

It is not meant by this that every indi\adual is a pious 
Christian, but that the spirit of the evangelical system is 
in sufficient power to give to religious opinion and senti- 
ment the complete ascendant in society. A man is not 
reflected upon, or deemed less fit for the higher duties of 
the State, by belonging to a Christian church ; he is rather 
considered the better qualified for even civil posts of trust 
and responsibility. It happened that the writer fell in 
with persons, and heard from them the declaration, that 
they could not give their suffrages to a very favourite can- 



188 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

didate for the presidential chair, on the ground that he was 
thought to be too lax in his habits. And, moreover, it was 
said, again and again, that this gentleman had damaged his 
position and blighted his prospects by this very circum- 
stance. Afterwards, indeed, he had reformed ; and it was 
stated, on good authority, that this gentleman had joined 
a Christian church, so that this objection must have fallen 
to the ground. This will appear foolish and bigoted to 
many of the wise men of this world, and may be thought 
to have been the feeHng only of hot-headed enthusiasts. 
Not so. And it illustrates the point for which it is ad- 
duced, namely, that Christianity is a very powerful ele- 
ment in American society. 

A very sensible and amiable gentleman, living in the 
)States, remarked, on the voyage out, " One of the things 
which will surprise you is the number of sects existing in the 
(Country." By the b}^ there is not r.i •.c'l difference in this 
respect between the mother and the daughter. But the 
fact here stated is a great stumbling-block to many, who 
can entertain no idea favourable to religion itself unless it 
exist as a unity, and is placed under the leadership of their 
favourite ecclesiastical functionaries. Certainly such parties 
will not find their " ideal church" in America. But if they 
will look deep enough, they will discover what is better 
than an external organization of stupidity and death; they 
will find ver}^ much of the vitality of Christianity, a settled 
and active faith, together with a profound conviction of the 
obligations to energetic piety, and the exercise of a divine 
charity. 

This division of the Christian body in America into sects, 
and the fact that a union with any one of these sects is no 
bar against employments of the most honourable kind, is, to 
us, an anomaly. A Methodist lord-chancellor, a Baptist 
attorney-general, a Presbyterian commander of the forces, 
an Independent secretary of the state, and an Episcopal, or 
Popish, gentleman doomed to take rank with one of these 



PART 1. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 189 

sectarians, or under him, as the case may be, looks strange 
in this country. This is no fictitious picture, but a matter 
of fact. Men are united in the common service of their 
country indiscriminately, irrespective of their creed or re- 
ligious connexions. The sects may hate each other, as is 
their wont elsewhere ; but the State knovrs no distinction 
betwixt one class of relisfionists and another. 

At the present moment, though I vras told that the Pre- 
sident does not hold communion with any church, yet he 
usually listens to a Methodist sermon in the morning, from 
one of the chaplains of Congress, who is of that persua- 
sion, and to a Presbyterian minister in the evening, his 
lady belonging to that church. One of the judges of the 
Supreme Court, answering as nearly as possible to our 
Court of Chancery, is at this moment a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal body, not nominally, but really ; 
observing the rules, and attending upon all the services, of 
his church in all his movements. Moreover, the talents, 
character, and standing of this gentleman are such, that in 
the present contest for the office of president he has been 
mentioned, indeed brought forward, by a numerous and 
most respectable class of his fellow-citizens, as a candidate 
for the high distinction. These are only mentioned as in- 
stances of the working of the system ; and no doubt every 
other appointment is in agreement with these cases of per- 
fect impartiality. 

But the matter of fact is, that in the United States the 
several churches to which reference is made are not, in our 
sense of the expression, sects at all. There are no sects in 
America, no Dissenters, no seceders ; — or, whatever other 
term may be employed to designate the position and stand- 
ing of a Christian society. They are all alike considered 
as Christians ; and adopting, according to the judgment of 
charity, with equal honesty, the common charter of salva- 
tion, the word of God, they are treated as equal, and as 
possessing similar and indefeasible rights. 



190 lUbli ils AMEIUCA. 



1 



This is certainly a new aspect of living and visible Chris- 
tianity ; and our business with it at present is, to test its 
operations on society. Can perfect liberty and equality 
in relio-ion work well when favoured by circumstances as in 
the United States ? Is Christianity itself, in its own reve- 
lations, its own glorious platform and basis, its own provi- 
sions and divinity, when made plain, and put into the hands 
of a people, sufficient, without being formed and modified 
by the political society, to produce its legitimate fruits ? 
This question, like many others, is in course of solution in 
the States. Go into a Popish country, and speak of 
Christianity, and the native of one of these nations, how- 
ever elevated in rank, or polished by education, instantly 
thinks of Popery. He knows of no religious system but the 
hierarchy of Rome ; and it is impossible to get into his 
head an idea of an abstract, a divine, and an unalterable 
Christianity, reposing on the truth of God, and connected 
with his throne. It is very much the same among our- 
selves, and especially among the higher ranks. These gen- 
tlemen cannot conceive of any Christianity otherwise than 
that which is imbodied in their own church. In almost all 
the speculations of men among us, church organizations, 
official distinctions, ecclesiastical canons, and the dress and 
tinsel which men put upon their own fond creations, are 
confounded with Christianity itself, and so called. If looked 
at only in this light, the evangelical economy must be pro- 
nounced an utter failure. Of all the wretched things whose 
history stands out in the annals of time, the history of 
churches is the most humihating, and the most calculated 
to make human nature blush. What had ecclesiastical, 
hierarchical Christianity done for the world in ancient 
times ? It has put its trammels upon the simple, primitive, 
and personal piety and usefulness, which had been pro- 
duced from time to time by the pure Gospel, and reduced 
the so-called church to the condition of one mighty con- 
glomerated mass of stupid ignorance and vice ; then seiz- 



PAKT i. — PEKSOAAL NARliATlVE. 191 

ing the reins of even political power, has entwined itself 
parasitically around the institutions of society, reducing 
the world to the dominion of a politico-religious despot- 
ism. 

Much debate has arisen in the world respecting State's 
adopting the Church, then corrupting, then enslaving her. 
In passing, it may be permitted one to ask the zealous par- 
tisans of church purity and state corruption, of church love 
of freedom and state love of tyranny, just to reverse their 
inquiries, and ask, in all possible candour, as to the real 
delinquents in this matter. My belief is, that, as a general 
rule, the State has not corrupted the Church, except as a 
participant, just as companions in vice vitiate each other ; 
but the Church has, in most instances, corrupted the State. 
Neither has the State enslaved the Church, as a general 
rule, though sometimes this may have been the case ; but 
the Church has, whenever it was allowed, invariably enslaved 
the State. JS'othing is so detrimental to the liberties and 
the virtues of mankind as a corrupt, a fetid religion, at the 
same time organized and guided by the subtle and crafty 
genius of a profligate priesthood. 

It can be no matter of surprise that the American peo- 
ple, being favoured with the opportunity, the soil being 
clear, and no old institutions standing in the way, should 
be disposed to adopt a new principle, and, discarding all 
authoritative church-oro-anization, try the effect of Chris- 
tianity itself, in its own native grandeur and divine simpli- 
city. This they have done. We have seen that the people 
is the State ; and the State, in this sense, namely, through 
the people, has, with the exception of the infidels among 
them, adopted Christianity; only, instead of being an hie- 
rarchical government, it is that of the Holy Scriptures — 
the Bible itself being the governing light, the decisive 
authority, the court of final appeal. All the interests of 
society converge to this point ; religion is its life, its power, 
its beauty. It is like the substrata of the world, on which 



192 TO UK IN AxMElUCA. 



1 



all the soils whence the vegetable productions spring repose 
in security. 

Is this common Christianity, taught and developed in 
Scripture, sufficient for a nation ? May the people of a 
State be safely left, other things being favourable, to this 
simple process ? The answer to this question is in course 
of solution in the United States. So far as it has been 
tested, it is believed to have answered. Notwithstanding 
the number of churches, bearing different names, and 
adopting diversified forms of service, there is probably as 
much or more imity in these States than elsewhere. 
Looking at their spirit and visible position ; that is, in the 
general absence of polemic strife, of bitter contentions 
between church and church, of acrimonious declamation 
against each other in their religious periodicals ; — and then 
their intercommunion and good neighbourhood, joint exer- 
tions for common objects, and, on the whole, harmonious 
agreement : — these all unite to show that these professors 
of the name of Christ can meet each other on the ground 
of their common Christianity, though differing in non-essen- 
tial points. So far as he had the opportunity of intercourse 
with ministers and Christians of various denominations, the 
author is bound to say, that he met with the most frank 
and affectionate courtesy, and saw the same spirit mani- 
fested one to another ; and, moroeover, that there appeared 
infinitely less of what is distinctive and sectarian than in 
this country. While at the Conference at Pittsburgh, all the 
Protestant pulpits of every sort were filled each Sunday by 
Methodist ministers, except some one or two of the Episco- 
pal churches, whose ministers were believed to be tinctured 
with Puseyism. 

It is no marvel that this unity of spirit prevails. The 
bitterness of sectarianism is prevented by the nature of 
their position. No one church thinks of calling another 
church, resting on the Scriptures as its basis, and only dif- 
fering in external organization, " heretics," "schismatics," 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 193 

and ** Dissenters." No class of ministers, except Popish 
priests and a few hare-brained Puseyites, ever dream of 
saying of other ministers that they are "unauthorized," 
have no "vocation," are "intruders" into other men's 
folds, and " usurpers" of the priestly office. These things 
can have no existence where common-law Christianity pre- 
vails ; they are the assumptions of sects, of exclusive pre- 
tensions, of caste claims. The only unity that ever can 
be found in this world, — unless God miraculously cut 
down all souls to one common level, — is this. No power 
on earth can screw mankind into one shape and form on 
matters of faith and religious opinion. Unity can never exist 
in the sense of sameness, like bricks in a wall, or metal from 
a die. What is to throw souls into the same type ? The 
idea is absurd ; but this kind of unity has ever been the 
cant of bigots, or oftener still the instrument of tyrants to 
obtain the object of their ambition — dominion over their 
fellow-men. The unity of the Gospel lies deeper ; it is 
unity in the truth, not as seen by another, but as appre- 
hended by the individual mind. But this truth is large, 
broad, open. The divine revelations are not given in set and 
limited propositions, like the syllogisms of man. It seems 
to be the purpose of God to leave the manner of appre- 
hending and believing the Gospel undefined and free. How 
should it be otherwise ? Give any dogma to the first 
dozen men who may be met with, and it is certain that 
every one vvill conceive of it differently. How, then, can 
unity be found in the manner of holding the truth ? But 
though the Gospel may be apprehended variously, yet, if 
it is really embraced, and simply believed, as the mind is 
assisted by the helps within its reach, and especially as 
taught by the Spirit, who shall say that this vitiates the 
truth itself? 

Hence, though in the United States the churches may be 
called by different names, and there may be diversities of 
opinion, even in matters of faith ; yet it does not follow 

9 



194 TOUK IN AMERICA. 

from this, that they are not every one of them true 
churches. But it is more on points of disciphne and church 
order, tlian on questions of truth and faith, that differences 
spring up, and become the prohfic parents of separations. 
Can any one prove, from Holy Scripture, that the Author 
of Christianity has not left this an open question? Or, 
can any one show that He has given his followers a model 
church, a platform, a skeleton temple ? He has done no 
such thing. In his mercy and goodness to mankind. He 
has — following the analogies of nature — prepared a world, 
a universe of truth and grace, appearing confused, but not 
so in reality, stretching infinitely beyond the line and defi- 
nitions of man. And just as men are left to build their 
social state and polity, in the midst of the agencies and 
provisions of nature ; to cultivate their fields, erect their 
cities, appropriate to themselves the bounties of Provi- 
dence, and create the forms of civilization for themselves ; 
so, in like manner. Christians are permitted to erect their 
tents, found their churches, and enjoy the blessings of reli- 
gion freely, on the broad field of Scriptural truth ; and, for 
anything which can be shown to the contrary, one organi- 
zation is as lawful as another ; the only difference being in 
the fitness of such organization to edify the people them- 
selves, and evangelize the world without. 

The American system looks for unity on this broad basis. 
As far as can be seen, it is as much secured as can be well 
expected in the midst of the infirmities of human nature. 
At any rate, society is not con\iilsed, nor the state put into 
jeopardy, by rehgious contentions, claims, and projects. If 
religion does not bless, neither does it curse, the country ; 
if it does not produce health, neither does it extend any 
social pestilence ; if, in fine, it does not allay human pas- 
sions, neither does it exasperate them. But the matter is 
placed too low by being thus hypothetically put. It is my 
deep conviction, that religion is the conservative power of 
American society. It is the salt of the community ; it is 



PART 1. — PEESO^'AL NARKATiVE. 195 

the life and the soul of public and private virtue ; it is the 
cement, the power of coherence, which holds the States 
together; and, by purifying the pubUc morals, elevating 
the soul with noble sentiments, creating the sense of re- 
sponsibility, and stimulating to industiy, it is creative of 
their greatness and power. 

But by the English reader it will be mstantly asked, — 
which, in fact, has often been the case, — If religion be so 
powerful an element in American society, why does it not 
abolish slavery ? Let us look at this question impartially. 
If this is done, it will be found that either Christianity, or 
some other great moral force, has done something in this 
direction already. The whole continent, including all the 
existing territory of the republic, was inherited, at first, 
from this country, with this great curse. Has any thing- 
been achieved to get rid of it ? The answer is, that many 
of the States have freed themselves from the e\il. The 
States of Maine, New-Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wis- 
consin, Iowa, have all renomiced slavery. Let us learn to 
do justice where right principles have prevailed. 

Christian truth must have had something to do in free- 
ing the people of colour from their chains. This, no doubt, 
has been the motive pcwer in bringing about this issue. 
There remains another triumph, even in these States, for 
the same influences to effect ; namely, the enfranchisement 
of the liberated African race in the rights of citizenship. 
They still remain aliens, though free. The constitutions 
of the several States, without exception, continue to pro- 
scribe them for the sin of the colour of their skin, however 
religious, virtuous, and orderly they may be.* These peo- 

* The constitutions of the several States merely pretermit them, by enact- 
ing that " every white male" shall possess the franchise. This is stifficiently 
effective. The State of New- York, indeed, mentions them expressly ; but 
(strange to say !) in the case of the African race, they estabUsh a property- 
qualification. The words arc :— " No man of colour shall vote, unless he shall 



196 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

pie give their allegiance, their labour, their support to the 
state ; and yet they are denied any place within its pale. 
This is unjust, and it is as impohtic as it is oppressive. But 
we must trust to time, to the growth of better principles, 
to the improvement of the African race itself; and no 
doubt, where so much has already been accomplished, in 
the end right views and feelings will prevail. 

Nothing can be said respecting those States which are 
not only slave-holding, but manifest a fixed resolution to 
foster and perpetuate the evil. It is true, the difficulties 
in the way of getting rid of the institution are prodigious ; 
much more so than the people of this country can appre- 
hend. But this is no reason why the injustice should be 
cherished, and the aggregation of the mischief and misery 
increased, which is undoubtedly the case. We see amongst 
these southern States no disposition to take even the first 
step in the direction of liberty. What the rehgious element 
will ultimately do, no OHe can at present tell. If its les- 
sons and influences are not neutralized by the antagonism 
of slavery itself, in time, no doubt, it will produce the same 
results as in other places. If this is not the case, then the 
evil, as in other instances, must take its own course, and 
work its own cure. It is impossible that so monstrous an 
injustice should continue stationary. God has made in his 
decrees, in his immutable laws, the accumulations of evil to 
work their own destruction. Men may endure oppression 
up to a certain point ; but beyond that point it cannot be 
carried. The recoil comes, in the destruction of either the 
oppressors or the oppressed. One of these two results 
must, in the nature of things, take place in this case, — re- 
ligion will illuminate, exalt, and set the African race free ; 
or, being opposed, the ignorance, vice, discontent, and tur- 
bulence of slavery will, at some time, rise in revolt, and 

have been three years a resident of the State, and, for one year next preceding 
the election, shall have owned a freehold worth two hundred and fifty dollars 
above all incumbrances, and shall have paid tax thereon." 



PART I. — PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 19T 

seek its revenge. The alternative is before tlie Southern 
people ; they cannot evade it, any more than they can 
stop the sun in his coui'se. The question at present, 
though difficult, admits of a peaceful solution ; in a while 
this period of probation will pass away, and some fearful 
hurricane, some dreadful catastrophe, will come in to set- 
tle that which religion and justice failed to accomplish. 



198 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

PART II. 

HISTORICAL NOTICES OF METHODISM IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory remarks— Mr. Wesley's great talent for government— The confi- 
dence reposed in him— His disinterested encouragement to all who were ca- 
pable of rendering service to religion— Became the bond of union to the first 
Methodists in America. 

The history of Methodism in its commencement is one of 
those singular facts which come in to iUustrate the force of 
that hidden and divine agency to which the glorious tri- 
umphs of Christianity are, in holy Scripture, always attri- 
buted. The insignificance of the instruments often em- 
ployed in the accomplishment of the work of God, is 
intended to demonstrate its spiritual, its divine origin. 
When parties, destitute of every human distinction, are 
seen to commence and carry to a successful issue the most 
difficult enterprises of religion ; it seems certain, from this, 
that they are employed by a higher power — that they have 
received a commission from God. 

It is true, that, in all its branches, Methodism possessed, 
from the beginning, the advantage of the counsels and con- 
summate guidance of its great leader. No man was ever 
better fitted for the task assigned him, in this respect, than 
John Wesley. His religious opinions and his poMcy were 
in perfect agreement, — Scriptural, simple, catholic, practi- 
cal. Everything mth him resolved itself into one great 
purpose, — the promotion of the salvation and happiness of 
man, in connexion with the highest glory of God. Happily 
for mankind, the best blessings of religion lie within the 
compass of this simple area. Policy often perplexes, but 
never ultimately serves, the cause of true Christianity. 

The idea will look like a paradox to men who can see no 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 199 

wisdom in government but what is circuitous, mystical, 
and subtle, to say that true policy is found on the surface, 
that it consists in a clear, lucid, and perspicacious adhe- 
rence to simple truth. And yet this is unquestionably the 
case, God, the supreme Ruler, has impressed certainty 
on all his laws. His government is not a labyrinth, a con- 
tradiction, a confused and clashing contrivance, a subtle 
system of expedients, intended to allure and to decoy his 
creatures into certain courses. The sunbeams of heaven 
are not clearer and brighter than the moral laws of the 
universe ; and the throne of the great Parent of all is no 
other than the throne of truth, which truth is being evolved 
in his entire administration and government. 

Confidence in this truth was never carried further, pro- 
bably, by any uninspired man than by the Founder of 
Methodism. His position made him necessarily the patri- 
arch and the governor of his people everywhere. On what 
did he depend to accomplish his work ? Nothing, certainly, 
but the force of truth through his long life ; and though 
often placed in very anomalous and perplexing circum- 
stances, yet we never see him resorting to any kind of 
finesse. He trusted his work where he trusted his soul, 
in the hands of God. But his maintenance of principle 
was free from passion, and equally free from narrow and 
isolated notions. We never perceive any angry or coercive 
enforcement even of the truth itself. Truth in his mind 
was not, indeed, a cold syllogism ; it had all the power of 
a command, an obhgation : and yet it was only enjoined in 
the language of forcible argument, tender and affectionate 
persuasion, and, as occasion required, an awful lifting up 
of a warning voice as to the eternal consequences of its re- 
jection. His own keen intellect, illuminated by the Spirit, 
and sanctified by the grace of God, qualified him to appre- 
hend the appropriate course in matters of administration, as 
well as in other things, most fully and accurately : and then 
the purity of his affections, and his tender regard for his 



200 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

fellow-men, enabled him to bear with their infirmities, ob- 
tuseness, and even factious conduct, when manifested, with 
entire confidence as to the result. 

But Mr. Wesley was no partial adherent to a system, 
any more than a dictatorial administrator of its laws. He 
clearly saw that truth, like nature, is an aggregation ; that 
one principle is linked with another, in harmonious concert, 
through the universe, and all to the throne of God ; that 
isolation is weakness, while a genuine, a catholic belief in 
religion, gives expansion to the mind, and calmness to con- 
fidence ; that government, like Christianity itself, must em- 
brace the happiness as well as the obedience of its subjects, 
or it must fail ; that man, in all grades of society, in all 
conditions of life, in all obligations and duties, in all offices 
and places of trust, ought to be treated with frankness, 
honour, and respect ; and, moreover, that in all religious 
relations the Holy Scriptures alone must be the rule, the 
final appeal. A ruler who fixes his thoughts and founds 
his entire policy on some favourite theory, some logical or 
mathematical line, some human dogma, some narrow party 
or sectarian base, — is sure, in the long run, to see his policy 
fail ; and the loss of his chimera will bring discomfiture 
and despair. His cause being frustrated, he imagines re- 
ligion itself is lost ; whereas, in point of fact, nothing but 
an embarrassment is gone. 

Not so with John Wesley. He had no scheme, no 
theory, no pet notions, in seeking to bring about the results 
of religion. He threw himself on the resources and power 
of God's economy. The spiritual life, the morality, the 
practical ends of government, secured, — he was perfectly 
indifferent regarding the external means. With him the 
experience of piet)'-, the divine affections, the purity and 
holiness of soul and body ; the entire devotedness of talents, 
influence, property, to God ; the operations of a saving and 
practical faith in the Son of God ; the obligations to a con- 
secrated and useful life ; the spread of the gospel on the 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 201 

widest possible scale ; and all kinds of good offices ren- 
dered to each other by Christians ; — these were the essen- 
tials of religion with him ; and whatever best promoted 
these ends, he considered as all that was important in 
matters of government. 

Hence his administration — if we may so call his care and 
authority — became easy. He did not fix his regards or 
bend his efforts to the formation of an ecclesiastical system ; 
but his one object was to help souls to get to heaven ; and 
he taught them that in their journey it was their duty to 
illustrate their Saviour's glory, and endeavour to persuade 
others to go with them to the same abodes of the blessed. 
In a word, it is clearly seen, in all the movements of this 
great man, that he kept but one thing constantly before his 
attention ; namely, the promotion of experimental and prac- 
tical religion. And, what is more, the means agreed with 
the end. There was no ravelled scheme of policy in his 
government ; every one saw the end he proposed, and most 
persons acquiesced in the agencies employed to secure it. 

Nothing is more remarkable in the history of John Wes- 
ley than the confidence his character inspired. All sought 
his counsel and advice, and deferred, in general, to his 
opinions. By reason of his disinterested regard to all who 
" loved our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," the singleness 
of his purpose, the simplicity of his com'se, and the urbanity 
of his manners, — he won the entire, the unbounded reli- 
ance of his followers. Unlike the vulture amongst birds, 
devouring some and frightening the rest, he attracted all 
by the music of his love, and never betrayed the confidence 
reposed in him. His object was, never to crush, to subdue, 
to repress the rising energies of any, even the poorest, 
Christian. On the contrary, his whole management turned 
on the principle of calling out the latent powers of the 
followers of his Lord, and turning them to the best account. 
No man ever did so much to exalt the lowly, to elevate 
the obscure, and to put all who were capable of any kind 

9* 



202 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

of service on the right track. Myriads have been rescued 
from a low and degrading position in life, and ultimately 
constituted the strength and ornaments of both the reli- 
gious and the social state, who, but for him, would have 
passed through the world in some of its meanest and most 
vicious phases. His rule of action was, in the best sense, 
that of development. From his whole proceeding it is 
evident, that he had great confidence in man, as man, irre- 
spective of the accidents of birth and education. His 
object was to make every one better and happier than he 
found him. A priest himself, — but entirely free from the 
priestly spirit, — he sought to enlist, for religion and the 
progress of the gospel, all the gifts and talents created by 
experimental piety. By the adoption of this course, he 
appears, in all the different circumstances in which he is 
seen, much more of the father than the governor of his 
people ; though, in point of fact, no man more completely 
directed the affairs of a church than he did ; no man ever 
more really governed any body than he governed the whole 
Methodist community. 

We are often surprised, that instruments apparently so 
very unsuited, achieved so much in the early history of 
this work. The matter of fact, however, is, that all were 
directed by one mind. The agencies were various, the 
instruments often of the humblest kind, the talents, ab- 
stracted from the love and zeal of their possessors, were 
frequently of the meanest order, and the lines of operation 
adopted were sometimes extremely difficult ; but, all being- 
moulded by the plastic power of this great master of cir- 
cumstances, the chaos was reduced to order, and the ele- 
ments which, in their separate state, were weak as water, 
became compact, massive, and strong ; like grains of sand 
compressed by the laws of nature into mighty mountains. 

It has been by the union of these insignificant fragments 
of piety and goodness, that the Methodist Church has risen 
to its present state. But it is perfectly easy to see, that 



PART II. — NOTICES OP METHODISM. 203 

the power of cohesion could not exist in themselves. A 
centre of attraction, a uniting force, became essential. With- 
out this, the creations of religion itself must have spent 
their fire, and evaporated into thin air. In the first move- 
ments of any remarkable revival of the work of God, if this 
take place in the " field of the world," and not within the 
enclosures of an existing ecclesiastical system ; — men must, 
of necessity, become these centres of attraction, and exercise 
this power of concentration. Institutions, of course, cannot, 
at this stage, do this, inasmuch as they have no existence ; they 
may become rallying-points afterwards, as they take their 
position, and develop their excellencies ; but in the com- 
mencement, individuals constitute the centres around which 
those who have not the power of self-support naturally collect. 
This was the exact position of John Wesley. His labours 
had put many agencies in motion which could not, of them- 
selves, continue in any useful course ; but, guided by his 
wisdom, and held up by his encouraging counsels and sup- 
port, these simple and good men could accomplish much 
in the furtherance of the gospel. Hence the first scattered 
sparks of piety, which flickered in America, at once sought 
to connect themselves with him. The poor emigrants 
from this country and Ireland, who, belonging to the Me- 
thodist body, were made the instruments of introducing 
the system, — carried with them the traditions of his excel- 
lencies. They considered themselves his children, and 
connected with the united societies ; they had received 
their religious enjoyments in union with his followers ; they 
had been trained under the discipline he had established ; 
and hence, in their new circumstances, they could not look 
upon their expatriation as an excision from the parent tree. 
This, in some measure, accounts for the facts alluded to ; 
namely, that of a great result growing out of very insig- 
nificant means. And yet, by reason of its connexion with 
Mr. Wesley, nothing seems fortuitous. The rise and pro- i 
gi'ess of Methodism in the States does not look like a happy \ 



204 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

accident ; though, in some of its features, it is sufficiently 
curious. The modes of the divine operation are often mys- 
terious ; but there seems to be one unalterable rule in the 
economy of Clnistianity, that is, to bless man by man. The 
pervading' will of God, as well as the influences of his 
grace, is, indeed, actively and constantly at work in con- 
nexion with the progress of his gospel, but not so as to 
exclude human labour. 

This will of God is eclectic as to the choice of agents ; 
electing some to be the depositaries of power, of trust, and 
of government ; giving these parties, truly and really, a 
divine mission, authenticated by gifts, influence, and bless- 
ing, though not by visible miracles ; and, as their work is 
amongst souls, and refers especially to rehgion, bestowing 
upon them a remarkable degree of spiritual power, in the 
form of confidence, exercised in their functions and call. 
On this principle our Founder was an elect man ; chosen 
for his position ; endowed with divine gifts ; made the cen- 
tre of a great spiritual power ; and became the instrument 
and messenger of a new development of the Christian re- 
ligion; and, inasmuch as he was "ordained a vessel unto 
honour," God gave him the hearts and affections of men. 
By reason of this it will be seen, that when the little rills 
began here and there to bubble up in America, they con- 
nected themselves directly with Mr. Wesley ; and thus 
brought themselves into close and intimate contact with the 
Fountain of all grace, through the instrumentality of one 
who had been thus chosen, as the chief cliannel of its 
communication in the line in question. The evidences that 
this is the work of God, are complete. Indeed, the social 
progress of the United States is not more in proof of the 
contemporary existence and operation of the moral ele- 
ments of civilization — than the origin and progress of 
Methodism is in proof of the presence, influence, and vari- 
ous gifts and blessings, of the Spirit of God, in connexion 
with its triumphs. 



PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 205 



CHAPTER II. 

The Introduction of Methodism into New-York— Philip Embury— Begins to 
preach — Captain Webb — The first Society — Preaching-Houses — Robert 
Strawbridge commences preaching in Maryland — Freeborn Garrettson — 
Captain "Webb's Labours in Long Island and Philadelphia — Attempts to get 
Mr. Benson appointed to America— Reflections on these Agents — The Class- 
Meeting. 

We now hasten to eive some notice of the introduction of 
Methodism into America. Twenty-seven years had passed 
from the time of the estabHshment of the " United So- 
cieties" in England, and thirty-seven from the period of the 
meeting of the rudimental sdciety, or " Godly Club," in 
Oxford, before it made its way into New- York, in 1766. 
It is impossible to suppose, that this time had elapsed 
without emigrant Methodists having arrived from the 
mother country. They had, consequently, lost their reli- 
gion, or passed into other connexions ; in the former case, 
they had been absorbed in the world, as the persons who, 
at the above date, were instrumental in beginning the work, 
were in danger of beincr. 

** Philip Embury, and a batch of emigrant Methodists from Ire- 
land, had so far given up their profession as to become caxd- 
ph\yers, when another family arrived from Ireland, amongst whom 
Avas ' a mother in Isi-ael,' to Avhose zeal in the cause of God they were 
all indebted for the revival of the spirit of piety amongst them. Soon 
after their arrival, this good woman ascertained, that those who had 
preceded her had so far departed from their ' first love,' as to be min- 
gling in the frivolities and sinful amusements of life. The know- 
ledge of this painful fact aroused her indignation, and, with a zeal 
which deserves commemoration, she suddenly entered the room 
where they were assembled, seized the pack of cards with which they 
were playing, and threw them into the fire." 

How great the pity, that the name and future circum- 
stances of this noble-minded woman are not preserved ! 
She may be justly considered as the real instrument of 
the work which followed ; inasmuch as she roused the 



206 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

slumbering men from their lethargic dreams, and put them 
in motion. 

" Addressing Embury, she said, ' You must preach to us, or we 
shall all go to hell together, and God will require our blood at your 
hands.' He tremblingly replied, 'I cannot preach, for I have neither 
a house nor a congregation.' ' Preach in your own house first, and 
to our own company,' was the reply. Feeling the responsibility of 
his situation, and not being able any longer to resist the importuni- 
ties of his reprover, he consented to comply with her request ; and, 
accordingly, preached his first sermon in his 0"\vn hired house, to five 
persons only. This, it is believed, was the first Methodist sermon 
ever preached in Avaerica. ''^—Bangs^s "History of Methodism,^^ vol. i, 
pp. 47, 48. 

Thus began Methodism in America. The circumstances 
are not very auspicious, and the chief agent, as we see, not 
a very promising person. Had not the faith and zeal of 
our female heroine come in to the help of pusillanimous 
men, the feeble spark would, at this time, no doubt, have 
gone out ; and the origin of this great cause would have 
commenced at some other point, and, possibly, have as- 
sumed another character. " From this time they gradually 
gathered strength, till they were able to rent a room in the 
neighbourhood, of larger dimensions. Here they assembled 
for mutual edification, Mr. Embury continuing to lead their 
devotions, and to expound to them the word of God." — 
Idem, p. 46. 

Captain Webb made his appearance on the scene soon 
after their first feeble efforts, greatly strengthening the 
confidence of the " little flock," and, instrumentally, aug- 
menting their numbers. He had been brought to the 
knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, at Bristol, 
about the year 1765 ; and, it seems, immediately began to 
call sinners to repentance. The character of his preaching 
may be pretty well ascertained, by an entry or two in Mr. 
Wesley's Journal. He says, — 

" Captain Webb preached at the Foundry. I admire the wisdom 
of God in thus raising up various preachers, according to the various 
tastes of men. The captain is all life and fire; therefore, although 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 207 

he is not deep, or regular, yet many who would not hear a better 
preacher, flock to hear him. And many are convinced under his 
preaching, some justified, a few built up in love." — " Works,'^ vol. iii, 
p. 287. 

" Captain Webb lately kindled a flame here, (Devizes,) and it is 
not yet gone out. Several persons were still rejoicing in God ; and 
the people, in general, were much quickened. I found his preaching 
in the street at Winchester had been blessed greatly. Many were, 
more or less, convinced of sin ; and several had found peace with 
God. I never saw the preaching-house so crowded before, with se- 
rious and attentive hearers." — Idem, vol. iv, p. 261. 

At the period under review, the captain was stationed 
at Albany, the capital of the province of New- York ; and 
his appearance on the theatre must have created great 
interest in the public mind. His rank in life, his military 
costume, — in which it seems he preached, — his dauntless 
resolution, his fervid spirit, would, in a thoughtless and 
dissipated population, succeed much more in rousing at- 
tention than regular ministrations, however plain or elo- 
quent. Accordingly, his preaching " drew many to the 
place of worship ; and the room where they assembled 
soon became too small to accommodate all who wished to 
hear. Sinijers were awakened and converted to God, and 
added to the society. These, continuing to walk in the 
' fellowship of the Holy Ghost,' were much strengthened 
and comforted ; while others, who beheld their godly con- 
versation, were convinced of the power and excellence of 
their religion." — Bangs' s "History of Methodism,''^ vol. i, 
pp. 49, 50. 

The society of Methodists was now fairly established, the 
instruments being, as we see, a timid local preacher, a faith- 
ful and heroic woman, and a brave, believing, and zealous 
military officer. The hired room now became too small for 
the congregation, and the next step in advance was to rent 
a rigging-loft, in William-street. This place, like the other, 
soon becoming too strait, the people began to entertain the 
notion of building a preaching-house. 



208 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" While all were deliberating on the most suitable means to be 
adopted to accomplish an object so deskable, and even necessaiy for 
their continued prosperity, an elderly lady, one of the Irish emi- 
grants before mentioned, while fervently engaged in prayer for direc- 
tion in this important enterprise, received, with inexpressible sv/eet- 
ness and power, this answer : ' I the Lord will do it.' At the same 
time, a plan was presented to her mind, which, on being submitted 
to the society, was genei-ally approved of, and finally adopted. They 
proceeded to issue a subscription-paper, waited on the mayor of the 
city, and other opulent citizens, to whom they explained their object, 
and from them received such liberal donations, as greatly encoui*- 
agcd them to proceed in their undertaking." 

This led to the erection of John-street chapel, sixty feet 
in length, and forty-two in breadth ; the people calling it, 
from respect for the venerable founder of Methodism, 
" Wesley Chapel." This was, most likely, the first chapel 
ever called by this name ; as, most assm'edly, John Wesley 
would never allow either chapel, society, or anything else, 
to be called after him, in England, so long as he lived, and 
possessed the power to prevent it. 

The name of the above female has been happily rescued 
from oblivion. 

" The name of this pious woman v/as Hick, the mother of the late 
Paul Hick, who became a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in his youth ; and was subsequently a class-leader and trus- 
tee, in which ofiices he continued till near the close of life ; and finally 
died, in the triumph of faith, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. 
He has childi'en and grand-children, now members of the church in 
the city of New- York. He has often conversed with the writer re- 
specting the circumstances and incidents of those early days of Me- 
thodism, with much apparent delight and gratitude. Wlien quite a 
lad. his mother used to lead him by the hand to the meetings ; and, 
said he, ' the first sixpence I could ever call my own, I put into the 
plate, which was carried around to receive the contributions of the 
people ; and I felt, in so doing, an inexpressible pleasm-c.' God 
abundantly rewarded him in after life with both temporal and spirit- 
vial blessings ; and he lived to see ' this seed of the kingdom spring 
up, and bear fruit, even a hundred-fold.' " — Bangs' s " Histai-y of Me- 
tftodism,^' vol. i, pp. 50, 51. 

In the mean time Captain Webb continued his zealous 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 209 

labours with great success. He 23reached in various places 
in Long Island, produced great awakenings amongst the 
people, and prepared the way for the formation of societies. 
His love to the Saviour and the souls of men carried him 
to Philadelphia, and he became the means of laying the 
foundation of a great work of God in the famous Quaker 
city. When, in 1*769, the first missionaries, Messrs. Board- 
man and Pilmoor, landed at Philadelphia, they found the 
heroic captain in the city zealously pursuing his course, 
and a society collected by his labours of upwards of one 
hundred members. 

Much about the time these things were taking place, an- 
other agent from Ireland, Robert Strawbridge, began to 
preach in Maryland with equal success. He settled, it 
seems, in Frederick county in that State, and at first com- 
menced preaching in his own house. These labours were 
soon enlarged, and, like his contemporaries in the work, 
he extended his evangelical exertions to various parts of 
the country around. The success attendant on these efforts 
obliged our evangelist to turn his attention to the erection 
of a place of worship, which he accomplished at Pipe Creek, 
and which passed under the name of the " log meeting- 
house." This first Methodist place of worship in Maryland 
became famous in its history, and several of the early Con- 
ferences were held within its *'los:" walls. 

It was in the midst of these first and desultory labours 
of Mr. Strawbridixe, that one of the earliest and most 
eminent of the native American ministers became acquainted 
with the way of salvation. Freeborn Garrettson met with 
Mr. Strawbridge at a friend's house in his own neighbour- 
hood ; and this incident seems to be the first link in a 
chain of events, which led that excellent man to become 
one of the most honoured and successful pioneers in this 
great work. 

Who does not feel a pleasure in searching out among 
elevated ridges the springs and rills which, in their course, 



210 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

constitute great rivers ? It may be in imagination only ; 
but there is delight in sipping the water at the fountain- 
head, in spanning the tiny stream as it gurgles out of the 
rock, and then examining how it makes for itself a channel. 
There will in this be little to please the economist and the 
practical man. He only cares for results, for organizations, 
for a working power : the elements of things are nothing 
to him ; these he willingly gives up to prying curiosity. But 
it is clear enough that his favourite aggregations could 
have no existence without these elementary processes ; the 
great has its origin in the little, as the river in the fountain ; 
the woodman's axe, the ploughman's art, the housewife's 
spinning-wheel, the hand-loom of the humble weaver, the 
rude log-hut, constitute the foundations of the most ad- 
vanced civilization. To despise, or even to disregard, first 
efforts, indicates folly as well as pride. And in despite of 
the generalizings of philosophy, it will be found, in fact, 
that the characters, the opinions, the modes of operation, 
the tools, so to speak, which are employed, the lines of 
labour marked out, and the genius, spirit, and soul of these 
first essays, will give their colouring, and even forms, to 
all succeeding creations. 

This is evidently true in the case under consideration. 
Captain Webb seems to have been a perfect embodiment 
of the true genius and spirit of primitive Methodism. What 
the grave New-England religionists, and all men of their 
class, would consider its irregularity, enthusiasm, zeal, 
activity, and faith, — seems to have had a place in the soul 
and life of this noble soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. By 
reason of his leisure, property, and position, he possessed 
the means of more extensive labours than Philip Embury 
or Robert Strawbridge. These good men occupied a sort 
of pastoral function on a limited scale, while the good cap- 
tain acted as an evangelist, pressing into every open door, 
and boldly proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation. The 
writer of a letter to Mr. Wesley, signing himself T. T., dated 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 211 

New- York, April 11th, 1768, gives us some insight into 
the captain's character and proceedings. 

" For some time few thought it worth theii' while to hear ; but 
God so ordered it by his providence, that, about fourteen months 
ago, Captain Webb, barrack-master at Albany, (who was converted 
thi'ee years ago in Bristol,) found them out, and preached in his regi- 
mentals. The novelty of a man preaching in a scarlet coat soon 
brought greater numbers to hear than the room could contain. But 
his doctrines were quite new to the hearers ; for he told them point- 
blank, that all their knowledge and religion Avere not worth a rush, 
unless their sins were forgiven, and they had the witness of God's 
Spii'it with theii's that they were his children. This strange doctrine, 
with some peculiarities in his person, made him soon taken notice of, 
and obliged the little society to look out for a larger house to preach 

in About this period Mr. Webb, whose wife's relations lived 

at Jamaica, Long Island, took a house in that neighboiu'hood, and 
began to preach in his own house, and several other places on Long 
Island. Within six months, about twenty-four persons received jus- 
tifying grace ; nearly half of them whites, the rest Negroes. While 
Mr. Webb was (to bo.icn' his oa\ti phrase) 'felling trees on Long 
Island, brother Embury was exhorting all who attended on Thurs- 
day evenings and Sundays, morning and evening, at the rigging- 
house, to flee from the wrath to come.' It was the 26th day 

of October last when I arrived, recommended to a person for lodg- 
ing. I inquired of my host, who was a very religious man, if any 
Methodists were in NeAv-York ; he answered that there was one Cap- 
tain Webb, a strange sort of man, who lived on Long Island, and who 
sometimes preached at one Embury's, at the rigging-house." 

It seems that our good captain not only laboured him- 
self, but exerted his influence to procure others to enter 
the field. He had an " impression" that Mr. Benson ought 
to go to America. The matter, as in all similar cases, was 
referred to Mr. Wesley, who, in a letter dated March 2d, 
Ills, says, — 

" Certainly, you cannot stir, unless you are clearly satisfied of your 
call from God. An impression on the mind of another man is no 
rule of action to you. The reasons you give on the other side are 
weighty, and will not easily be answered." 

This call upon Mr. Benson by the captain, roused Charles 



212 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Wesley, who, in his usual style of frankness and energy, 
gives his notions of the captain's character. 

" I have barely time to say, yom- o^vn reasons for not yet going to 
America, and Christopher Hopper's, are unanswerable. Mr. F." 
(Mr. Fletcher, no donbt) "is only the captain's echo. The captain's 
impressions are no more, or A-ery little more, to be dejjended on than 
George Bell's. He is an inexperienced, honest, zealous, loving en- 
thusiast. God only knows whether you may not be called to 
America by and by. At present, your call is not clear ; therefore, 
stand still, and send our fi'iends a loving, explicit refusal." 

It is singular enough, that whilst the several parties thus 
dealt with the captain's " impression," they all refer to the 
same principle. John Wesley thinks the " call," when di- 
vine, must be addressed to the person concerned, and not 
to another; he is the party to be convinced, and to be 
persuaded. Charles is not sure but the " call" may come 
some time, and Mr. Benson may be sent to America ; whilst 
he himself evidently refers to the snrae thing, only he ar- 
gues, and that so conclusively as to convince the brothers, 
that to himself the "call" is not sufficiently clear and ex- 
plicit. It would be difficult to prove that Captain Webb's 
'* impression" in this case was a revery, an ill-founded 
piece of enthusiasm. Had his election fallen on some in- 
competent person, Charles Wesley's biting caustic might 
have been justly applied. But the " impression " refeiTed 
to a man whose age, piety, learning, great preaching talents, 
practical wisdom, entire attachment to Methodist theology, 
and eminent controversial and literary attainments, seemed 
in reason to point him out as the most suitable man in 
England for the work. Besides, there seems to have been 
a balance of judgment, two against two, — John and Charles 
Wesley against, and Captain Webb and Mr. Fletcher in 
favour. How prescient is Providence ! Had Mr. Benson 
gone to America, and taken the superintendence of the 
work, as he must have done, it is probable that his influence 
would have altered the whole aspect of things. Dr. Coke, 
in that case, could have had no place in the organization 



PART 11. — NOTICES OP METHODISM. 213 

of Methodism ; Francis Asbury must have been a secondary- 
man ; and, with Mr. Benson's views and opinions, it is ex- 
tremely likely, not to say absolutely certain, that the Me- 
thodist Episcopal Church would never, in its present shape, 
have existed. On what wonderful contingencies hang the 
greatest results ! 

These, then, are the ao-ents, and this the beoinninsf, of Me- 1 
thodism in America ; now grown to be by far the most nu- j 
merous church in the United States. How different this ' 
commencement to any other religious formations in this coun- 
try ! When the pilgrim fathers sailed in the " Mayflower " with 
her companion, they constituted a church, an ecclesiastical 
state. Some of the most eminent Christians, probably, of 
the age accompanied the expedition ; they were men of real 
greatness of mind and heart ; they held a doctrinal system, 
arranged, digested, put into syllogistic order, and defended 
at all points ; they had left their country for the sake of 
what they considered a principle, a truth, which they car- 
ried with them as a sacred deposit, as the ark of God ; the 
formalities of devotion and of religious rites attended every 
step ; and they seemed to act upon the conviction that they 
were going, in the name of their Divine Master, to take 
possession of a new " land of promise." We do not say 
they were mistaken in their convictions, or that they failed 
in their anticipations ; all that is meant to be noticed is, 
that this was formal, and that the religion of the transaction 
possessed a shape, a plan. 

W^hen Wilham Penn took possession of Pennsylvania in 
the name of Quakerism, this was the case also. The 
Quaker king was himself a great man in every sense. In 
family connexions, in social rank, in all the qualities of the 
statesman, in knowledge and literary attainments, and 
actual standing in society, William Penn was a man to take 
rank with peers and princes, philosophers and statesmen. 
Religion, under the auspices of such a leader, has the 
appearance of a great interest, and likely to prosper. It 



214 TUUK l^■ AMEKiCA. 

demands respect, and claims the approval of parties who 
look more at " tlie outward appearance," than abstract 
truth. And, moreover, though the forms of Quakerism were 
very different, as was its spirit also, from the Puritanism 
of the settlers of New-England, yet still it had its own 
peculiar garb, and presented itself to view as a visible em- 
bodiment of Christianity. 

Methodism began in America in a perfectly different 
manner. Its first disciples, we see, had no name, no rank, 
no means, no scholarship, no power, no human credentials. 
It was introduced by a few poor, unknown, and unnoticed 
emigrants, who took their place amongst the common peo- 
ple, and occupied themselves in the menial affairs of life. 
The general population knew not that any parties lived 
amongst them of any remarkable stamp of character. Nei- 
ther themselves nor the people for a moment dreamed that 
they were the chosen apostles of God to introduce a 
doctrine, a system, which, in the course of time, was des- 
tined to become a great church. There was certainly no 
design, and no kind of forethought, of any results beyond 
present religious edification. What, then, gave Methodism 
its force, its momentum ? Unquestionably the truth and 
the Spirit of God in the first degree ; but then, it was truth 
unembarrassed, unsystematized ; truth in its simplicity. 
Moreover, it was not the gospel in any gorgeous array of 
symbols or of ornament, it was one capital and experimental 
verity ; namely, the offer of the pardon of sin, with its 
attendant blessings. This was just about all that these 
disciples of Methodism knew, or could preach to others. 
But it is exactly such a doctrine as is calculated to arrest 
attention, to excite the soul to a profound thoughtfulness, 
to prepare the way for other enunciations ; and, by reason 
of its exact adaptation to man in his guilt and miseries, is 
likely, in the issue, to win numerous converts. Besides, 
this single truth is in its nature germinant. Though but 
one in itself, it leads to everything else. But how great 



PART II. — NOTICES UF METHODISM. 215 

the difference between the Methodist doctrine of the par- 
don of sin, and the Puritan doctrine of the decrees, and the 
Quaker doctrine of the inward Hght ! 

The founders of New-England and its rehgion sought, 
by all possible means, to establish their repulsive system 
of election and reprobation ; and, as if to give practical 
effect to their doctrines, refused residence and neighbour- 
hood to every one, unless he believed their creed and 
belonged to their church. The Quaker-prophet taught the 
people to look within, and to unravel the right from the 
wrong, the good from the evil, the light from the darkness, 
the divine from the human ; and insisted that religion was 
of the nature of an internal oracle, which, if rightly con- 
sulted, would lead to truth, virtue, and God. The Method- 
ist, from the earliest period of his appearance in America, 
on the contrary, went about proclaiming pardon, justifica- 
tion, as freely procured by the death of Christ, and offered 
to all men in the gospel. This was his mission, the blessing 
he preached, the acceptance of which he enforced upon his 
audience ; teaching, at the same time, the mode of its 
attainment by faith, and pointing out its evidences and 
fruits. There is not so much in this to engage philosophy 
and excite admiration as in the other systems referred to ; 
but there is much more to meet the wants of mankind, to 
satisfy the cravings of the soul, to ease the anguish of the 
conscience, and to lead to peace and holiness. Mr. Ban- 
croft could not write so splendid and philosophical a dis- 
sertation on the Methodist doctrine of pardon, as he has 
produced on the *' inward light" of the Quaker system; 
and yet this doctrine of pardon has done a thousand times 
more to evangelize his country, and gained a hundred- 
fold more disciples, than the system he so eloquently eulo- 
gizes. But this doctrine is powerful, not simply because 
it is so well adapted to man's state : it is effective, because 
divine ; the very blessing of the gospel, to which the Holy 
Spirit gives his testimony and influence. No one can pos- 



216 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

sibly account for the success of the early propagators of 
Methodistic doctrine, on any other principle than this. It 
owed next to nothing to its agents, but everything to its 
own intrinsic truth ; — stripped of all efflorescent verbiage, 
and rendered powerful by the blessing of God. 

The only external appliance which Methodism possessed, 
at this first sta^e of its existence, was the class-meetin<r. 
Many parties will be unable to see anything in this ; and 
some will smile or sneer, as the case may be. Be this as 
it may, there can be no doubt that these meetings collected 
the scattered rays of light into a focus, gave solidity to the 
work, and fostered the courage and confidence of the dis- 
ciples ; strengthened, animated, and inflamed their piety 
and love ; drew out their respective talents, whether for 
prayer, exhortation, or any other service ; and consolidated 
their means for exertion and usefulness. The social prin- 
ciple in religion is power, as well as in other things ; and 
it is especially necessary in the feeble commencement of any 
new undertaking. We have seen that Philip Embury and 
his companions had given way, when roused from their 
slumbers by the importunities of a more faithful female. 
The resuU was, the establishment of what is called " a so- 
ciety ;" and we hear no more of any vacillations. The 
members of the ''little flock" looked after each other; 
became, in some sort, answerable for each other's character 
and piety ; assisted each other in their daily trials, and 
prompted each other " to love and to good works ;" and, 
by these several means, gave solidity and strength to the 
whole w^ork. But this is not all ; these class-meetings be- 
came centres of life. Their several gifts were brought into 
exercise, and, consequently, improved ; and many of the 
members, as the result, became eminently useful, who 
would, probably, have remained in listless obscurity. These 
classes thus proved to be " schools of the prophets ;" and, 
like the fountain in the arid desert, sent forth their ferti- 
lizing waters to the regions around, giving religious verdure 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 217 

to places which must otherwise have remained in a state 
of barrenness and death. 

It results from all that we have seen, in connexion with 
the early stages of this great revival of religion on the con- 
tinent of Amei'ica, that, so far as human and external 
means are concerned, it owes its origin and progress to two 
very simple powers, — the doctrine of pardon, and the class- 
meeting. These, it may be thought by some, are inade- 
quate means to produce such effects ; that, in point of fact, 
there must have been something more profound, more 
recondite. On examination, however, it will be perceived, 
that, in everything divine, the declaration of the apostle is 
found true : '' God hath chosen the weak thino^s of this 
world to confound the mighty." The men first called by 
Christ to the apostolic office, were selected from amongst 
the common people ; the speech they employed was plain, 
pointed, and expressed in the idioms of the times ; the doc- 
trines they taught were certainly such as we have indicated, 
and were stated in a popular, and not a scholastic, style ; 
the societies established were evidently spiritual, practical 
meetings for merely religious purposes ; and the church- 
officers were men of plain sense, good character, and emi- 
nent sanctity ; while their office itself only contemplated 
the promotion of piety, or relief to the poor. In this 
manner the Methodist societies were first formed, both in 
America and elsewhere. Their simplicity was their beauty, 
their glory, and their strength. This ill accords with the 
complexity of most ecclesiastical organizations ; in which 
complexity many, though in great mistake, place their 
strength. In this work, then, there can be no ground 
for glorying in man. "Not by might, nor by" human 
" power," were the foundations of Methodism laid in the 
American colonies. This church can boast of no princely 
power, no noble patronage, no legislative provision, no 
chartered immimities, no domestic or foreign support. No 
apostolic man, linked in the chain of anv kind of succession, 

10 



218 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

laid the foundations of this gigantic fabric. The Methodist 
Church cannot count back to a Peter or a Paul, like the 
pretence of Rome ; nor can they reckon on great traditional 
or historic characters, as coming from afar to plant the 
gospel on their shores. The period will allow of no mys- 
tery ; no strange missionary, as Patrick in Ireland, can 
ever be palmed on public credulity, as the agent of this 
work ; it is not, it cannot be, lost in the dim distance of a 
remote antiquity. The curious can never dispute about 
the origin of the movement. Philip Embury, Robert Straw- 
bridge, Captain Webb, and the " mother in Israel." men- 
tioned before, instrumentally, laid the foundations of one 
of the most numerous, well-governed, pious, and useful 
Protestant churches in the world ; and the powerlessness 
of the instruments must lead all to acknowledge, that tliis 
is, indeed, the " finger of God." 



CHAPTER III. 

Application to Mr. Wesley for Missionaries— Messrs. Boardman and Pilmoor 
appointed— Account of the State of Things— Messrs. Asbur>- and Wright- 
Account of the former— The Spirit of the Clergj^— Mr. Jarratt— Thomas 
Ranli:in and George Shadford arrive— First Conference. 

We now enter upon a new period in the progress of Me- 
thodism in America, — the period of more regular ministra- 
tions. In 1768, the society at New- York addressed Mr. 
Wesley on the subject of sending tliem a minister. The 
writer above referred to, signing himself T. T., was their 
organ. 

" There is another point far more material, and in Avhich I must 
importune your assistance, not only in my own name, but also in the 
name of the whole society. We Avant an able and experienced 
preacher ; one who has both txifts and grace necessary for the work. 
God has not, indeed, despised the day of small things. There is a 
real Avork of grace begun in many hearts, by the preaching of Mr. 
Webb and Mr. Embury; but, although they are both useful, and 
their hearts in the Avork, they Avant many qualifications for such an 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 219 

undertaking ; and the progress of the Gospel here depends much 
upon the qualifications of preachers. 

" In regard to a preacher, if possible, we must have a man of wis- 
dom, of sound faith, and a good disciplinarian ; one whose heart and 
soul are in the work ; and I doubt not but, by the goodness of God, 
such a flame will be soon kindled, as would never stop till it reached 
the great South Sea. We may make many shifts to evade temporal 
inconveniences ; but we cannot purchase such a preacher as I have 
described. Dear su*, I entreat you, for the good of thousands, to use 
your utmost endeavours to send one over. With respect to money 
for the payment of the preacher's passage over, if they could not pro- 
cure it, we would sell our coats and shirts to procure it for them." 

This letter led to the appointment of the first mission- 
aries from England. Mr. Wesley, referring to this in his 
Journal, says, — 

"Tuesday, August 1st. 1769. — Our Conference began in Leeds. 
On Thursday, I mentioned the case of our brethren in New- York. 
For some years past, several of our brethren from England and Ire- 
land (and some of them preachers) had settled in North America, 
and had, in various places, formed societies, particularly in Philadel- 
phia and New-York. The society at New- York had lately built a 
commodious preaching-house, and now desired helj), being in great 
want of money, but much more of preachers. Two of our preachers, 
Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, willingly offered themselves 
for the service, by whom we detennined to send over £50, as a token 
of our brotherly love." 

The two missionaries landed at Gloucester Point, six 
miles below Philadelphia, October 24th, 1769. This ought 
to be regarded as a red-letter day in the history of Me- 
thodism in America. It is the date of an era ; it marks 
the beginning of a direct connexion between the societies, 
and the father of the entire family ; and it also indicates 
the period of the admission of a new, a regulating power. 
Henceforward, the American societies became a part of the 
pastoral charge of Mr. Wesley and the British Conference ; 
and their history stands intimately connected with that of 
the entire body. 

On entering upon their duties, our missionaries divided ; 
Mr. Boardman taking New- York as the centre of his move- 



220 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

ments, and Mr. Pilmoor, Philadelphia. But, adopting the 
accustomed rule of itinerancy, they exchanged with each 
other at certain intervals ; thus giving vitality and interest 
to their work, by the effects of varied ministrations. Mr. 
Pilmoor gave an account of the state of things in Phila- 
delphia, in a letter dated October 31st, 1769, only seven 
days after his arrival. He says, — 

" By the blessing of God, we are safely arrived here, after a tedious 
passage of nine weeks. We Avcrc not a little sm-prised to find Cap- 
tain Webb in town, and a society of about one hundred members, 
who desire to be in close connexion with you. ' This is the Lord's 
doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' 

"I have preached several times, and the people flock to hear in 
muhitudcs. Sunday evening I went out upon the common. I had 
the stage appointed for the horse-race for my pulpit, and I think be • 
tween four and five thousand hearers, who heard with attention, still 
as night. Blessed be God for field-preaching ! When I began to 
talk of preaching at five o'clock in the morning, the people thought 
it would not answer in America ; however, I resolved to try, and I 
had a very good congregation. 

" There seems to be a great and effectual door opening in this 
country, and I hope many souls will be gathered in. The people, in 
general, like to hear the word, and seem to have ideas of salvation by 
grace." 

Mr. Boardman does not write so soon ; but on the 24th 
of April, I'ZVO, he says, — 

" Our house contains about seventeen hundred people. About a 
thu'd part of those who attend get in ; the rest are glad to hear with- 
out. There appears such a willingness in the Americans to hear the 
word, as I never saw before. They have no preaching in some parts 
of the back settlements. I doubt not but an effectual door will be 
opened among them. may the Most High now give his Son the 
heathen for his inheritance ! The number of the blacks that attend 
the preaching affects me much." 

It is seen by this, that Philip Embury and Captain Webb 
had done good service. A third preaching- place, holding 
seventeen hundred persons, was no mean triumph, for the 
circumstances in which they were placed. 

In the following year another, the most important actor 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 221 

who ever appeared from England in America, took his 
place on the continent, — Francis Asbury, accompanied 
by Richard Wright. As Mr. Asbury became so conspicu- 
ous a leader in the affairs of Methodism, it may be as well 
to give his own account of his early life. 

Mr, Asbury tells us, he was born near the foot of Hamp- 
stead Bridge, in the parish of Handsworth, four miles from 
Birmingham, on the 20th or 21st of August, 1*745. His 
father and mother, Joseph and Elizabeth Asbury, " were 
in common life, but remarkable for honesty and industry." 
On the death of an only daughter in childhood, his mother 
" sunk into deep distress, from which she was not relieved 
for many years." Under this dispensation, ** God was 
pleased to open the eyes of her mind, and she now began 
to read almost incessantly, strongly urging her husband to 
adopt family reading and prayer." This affected young 
Francis ; and he tells us, that from childhood he neither 

" Dared an oath, nor hazarded a lie." 

Being sent to school early, he learned to read the Bible, 
and took " great delight in the historical parts." His mas- 
ter, proving a great " churl," and using him " cruelly," 
filled him with such " horrible dread," that it seems he 
made his escape from this tyranny. This was the amount 
of his education ; we hear no more of school. He then 
" lived some time in one of the wealthiest and most un- 
godly families in the parish ;" and became " vain, but not 
openly wicked." When betwixt thirteen and fourteen, he 
was *' put to learn a branch of business, at which he wrought 
six years and a half," enjoying great liberty in the family, 
and was " treated more like a son than an apprentice." 

When fourteen years of age, he was awakened by the 
instrumentality of a " pious man, not a Methodist," who 
was invited by his mother to visit the family for religious 
purposes. He began to attend West Bromwich church, 
hearing several evangelical ministers, and read all the good 



222 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

books he met with. He now inquired of his mother, " who, 
where, and lohat were the Methodists ?" and she directing 
him to " a person who could conduct him to Wednesbury 
to hear them," we find him for the first time at this place. 
" The people were devout, men and women kneeling down, 
saying, Amen.^^ They sung hymns, " sweet sound ;" the 
preacher had " no Prayer-Book, and yet he prayed wonder- 
fully ;" and, more extraordinary, " he took his text, and 
preached, and yet had no sermon-book." "He talked 
about confidence, assurance, of which," he says, " all my 
flights and hopes fell short." He adds, " I had no deep 
convictions, nor had I committed any deep known sins. At 
one sermon, some time after, my companion was powerfully 
wrought on : I was exceedingly grieved that I could not 
weep like him ; yet I knew myself to be in a state of unbe- 
lief. On a certain time, when we were praying in my 
father's barn, I believe the Lord pardoned my sins, and 
justified my soul." He was now " free from guilt and fear, 
and had power over sin, and felt great inward joy." He 
now began to "hold meetings" with his companions, who 
were " much persecuted ;" the people opening their houses 
were obliged to close them again. Being driven from these 
places, he "held meetings" at his father's house, and went 
also to Sutton- Colefield for the same purpose, "several 
souls professing to find peace." He had preached some 
months before he publicly appeared in the "Methodist 
meeting-houses ;" and when his labours became more pub- 
lic and extensive, " some were amazed ; not knowing how 
he had exercised elsewhere." He now became a local 
preacher, " the humble and willing servant of any and of 
every preacher that called on him, by night or by day ; 
being ready, with hasty steps, to go far and wide to do 
good." Thus called, he " visited Derbyshire, Stafford- 
shire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire," " preaching, generally, 
three, four, and five times a week, and, at the same time, pur- 
suing his calling." — Ashurys Journal, \o\. ii, pp. 133-136. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 223 

The account of his entrance on his American mission 
must be given in his own words : — 

" On the 7th of August, 1771, the Conference began at Bristol, in 
England. Before this, I had felt for half a year strong intimations 
in my mind that I should visit America ; which I laid before the 
Lord, being unwilling to do my own will, or to run before I was 
sent. During this time my trials were very great, which the Lord, 
I believe, permitted to prove and try me, in order to pixpare me for 
future usefulness. At the conference it was proposed that some 
preachers should go over to the American continent. I spoke my 
mind and made an offer of myself. It was accepted by Mr. "Wesley 
and others, who judged I had a call. From Bristol I went home to 
acquaint my parents with my great undertaking, which I opened in 
as gentle a manner as possible. Though it was grievous to flesh and 
blood, they consented to let me go. My mother is one of the ten- 
derest parents in the Avorld ; but I believe she was blessed in the pre- 
sent instance with divine assistance to part with me. I visited most 
of my friends in Staffordshire, Warwickshke, and Gloucestershire, 
and felt much life and power among them. Several of our meetings 
were held, indeed, in the spirit and life of God. Many of my friends 
were stiaick with -wonder, when they heard of my going ; but none 
opened their mouths against it, hoping it was of God. Some wished 
that their situation would allow them to go with me. 

" I returned to Bristol in the latter end of August, where Eichard 
Wright was waiting for me, to sail in a fcAV days for Philadelphia. 
When I came to Bristol, I had not one penny of money ; but the 
Lord soon opened the hearts of friends, who supplied me with 
clothes, and £10. Thus I found, by experience, that the Lord will 
provide for those who trast in him. 

" On Wednesday, September 2d, we set sail from a port near Bris- 
tol ; and, having a good wind, soon passed the Channel. For three 
days I was very ill with the sea-sickness ; and no sickness I ever 
knew was equal to it. The captain behaved well to us. On the 
Lord's day, September 8th, brother W. preached a sennon on deck, 
and all the crew gave attention. 

" Thursday, 12th. — I will set down a few things that lie on my 
mind. Whither am I going ? To the New World. What to do 1 
To gain honour 1 No ; if I know my oa^ti heart. To get money ? 
No ; I am going to live to God, and to bring others to do so. In 
America there has been a woi^k of God ; some mo^ang first amongst 
the Friends, but in time it declined ; likewise by the Presbyterians, 
but amongst them also it declined. The people God owns in Eng- 



224 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

land are the Methodists. The doctrines they preach, and the disci- 
pline they enforce, arc, I helieve, the pui-est of any people in the 
world. The Lord has greatly blessed these doctrines and this disci- 
pline in the three kingdoms 5 they must therefore be pleasing to 
him. If God does not acknowledge me in America, I will soon re- 
tui-n to England. I know my views are upright now ; may they 
never be otherwise !" — Journal, vol. i, pp. 1, 2. 

This is the spirit in which this apostle of Methodism in 
America began his work, and which only terminated with 
his life — an eventful period of forty -four years. There were 
now four missionaries from England in America ; and their 
number was increased by the addition of Robert Williams 
and John King, emigrants from the mother-country. The 
band of brothers evidently laboured together, in general, 
harmoniously, and with equal success. The only diflference 
among them seems to have been, on the subject of country 
work. Mr. Asbury thought his brethren were too fond of 
remaining in the large towns, while he felt, in the spirit 
of a true evangelist, that, in order to secure the objects of 
their mission, it was necessary that the villages and country 
places should share their attention, and enjoy the benefit 
of their ministrations. With these convictions, he deter- 
mined to sally forth ; and from this time we find him pro- 
secuting his itinerant labours with indefatigable zeal — 
rushing into every open door, and, where an entrance 
could not be found, endeavouring to make one. On this 
subject his remarks are pertinent. On November 20th, he 
wiites : — 

" I am in York, though unsatisfied with our being both in town 
together. I have not yet the thing I seek, — a circulation of preach- 
ers to avoid partiality and popularity. However, I am fixed to the 

Methodist plan, and do what I do faithfully as to God At 

present I am dissatisfied. I judge we are to be shut up in the cities 
this winter. My brethren seem unwilling to leave the cities ; but I 
think I shall show them the way. I am in trouble, and more trouble 
is at hand ; for I am determined to make a stand against all partial- 
ity. I have nothing to seek but the glory of God, nothing to fear 
but his displeasure. I am come over with an upright intention, and, 



PART II. — I^OTICES OF METHODISM. 225 

through the grace of God, I will make it appear ; and I am deter- 
mined that no man shall bias me with soft words and fair speeches : 
nor will I ever fear (the Lord helping me) the face of man, or know 
any man after the flesh, if I beg my bread from door to door ; but, 
whomsoever I please or displease, I will be faithful to God, to the 
people, and to my own soul." 

Here we have the moral elements forming the character 
of Francis Asbury. Firmness, fearlessness, integrity, sin- 
gleness of eye for the glory of God, an intense love to the 
souls of men, faithfulness to the leading idea of Method- 
ism, happiness in labour ; — from which he never deviated 
to the end of hfe. Such was the man called of Provi- 
dence to take the lead in this enterprise, in great measure 
to guide its counsels, and to become its chief apostle. 

At this period the Methodist preachers in America, as 
well as in Eno-land, considered themselves connected with 
the Church. Two incidents may be mentioned to show how 
they fared with different classes of the clergy. In Kent 
county, Mr. Asbury relates, that he was encomitered by 
Mr. R., a church minister. 

" He charged me with making a schism. I told him that I did 
not draw the people from the church, and asked him if his church 
was then open. He then said, that I hindered the people from their 
work. I asked him if fairs and horse-races did not hinder them ; and 
further told him, that I came to help him. He said, he had not 
hired me for an assistant, and did not want my help. I told him, if 
there were no swearers or other sinners, he Avas sufficient. ' But,' 
said he, 'what do you come for?' I replied, 'To turn sinners to 
God.' He said, ' Cannot I do that as well as you V I told him that 
I had authority from God. He then laughed at me, and said, ' You 
are a fine fellow, indeed !' I told him I did not do this to invahdate 
his authority ; and also gave him to understand, that I did not wish 
to dispute with him 5 but he said he had business with me, and came 
into the house in a great rage. I began to preach, and to exhort the 
people to repent, and turn from all their transgressions, so iniquity 
should not prove their ruin. After preaching, the parson went out, 
and told the people they did wrong in coming to hear me ; and said, 
I spoke against learning ; whereas, I only spoke to this pui'pose : — 
When a man tm-ned from all sin, he would adorn every character in 
life, both in church and state." 

10* 



226 TO UK IN AMEKICA. 

This sort of clergy generally predominated in the south- 
ern provinces ; but Mr. Jarratt, of Virginia, was an ex- 
ception. 

" Under his preaching there Avas a considei'able revival at a place 
called White Oak, In imitation of INIi-. Wesley and his preachers, Mr. 
Jarratt formed those who were awakened to a sense of their danger 
into a society, that they might assist each other in working out their 
salvation. The good elFects of these meetings were so apparent, in 
producing the fruits of ' good living,' that they were encouraged, and 
the i-evival Avent on gradually, chiefly under the labours of Mr. Jar- 
ratt, from 1771 to 1773, spreading from fifty to sixty miles in the re- 
gion round about." — Bangs's " History of Methodisin" \o\. i, p. 76. 

This good man identified himself with Methodism, afford- 
ed his countenance and encouragement to the preachers, 
himself took part in their labours, attended some of their 
early meetings in Conference, threw open his door for 
their entertainment ; and, in fact, became to the infant 
cause in America exactly what Mr, Fletcher of Madeley, or 
Grimshaw of Haworth, were to the Methodists of England 
in their day. 

In June, 17 '7 3, two other missionaries, Thomas Rankin 
and George Shadford, landed in Philadelphia ; and as Mr. 
Rankin had travelled several years longer in England than 
Mr, Asbury, Mr, Wesley appointed him the general assibt- 
ant (superintendent) of the societies in America. 

Mr. Rankin seems to have received, with the superintend- 
ency, full powers from Mr. Wesley to hold a Conference. 
Accordingly, we find, the first Conference ever held in 
America was convened to meet in Philadelphia, in July, 
IVVS. Up to this time the business of the Church had 
been transacted at the quarterly meetings. 

At this Conference Ave find the folloAving questions and 
answers : — 

" I. Ought not the authority of Mr. Wesley and that of [the Eng- 
lish] Conference to extend to the preachers and people in America, 
as Avell as Great Britain and Ireland ? 

" Axs.— Yes. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 227 

" 2. Ought not the doctrine and disciplme of the Methodists, as 
contained in the Minutes, to be the sole rule of our conduct, who la- 
bour in the Connexion A\ith Mr. "Wesley in America ? 

" Ans.— Yes. 

" 3. If so, docs it not follow, that if any preachers deviate from the 
Minutes, we can haA^e no fellowship Avith them till they change their 
conduct ? 

" Ans.— Yes." 

The following rules were agreed to by the preachers 
present : — 

" 1. Every preacher who acts in connexion with Mr. Wesley, and the 
brethren who laboiu- in America, is strictly to avoid administering 
the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper. 

" 2. All the people among whom we labour to be earnestly ex- 
horted to attend the church, and to receive the ordinances thei-e ; but 
in a particular manner to press the people in Maryland and Virginia 
to the observance of this minute." 

Thus the Methodist system was fairly estabhshed, and 
its discipline agreed upon, by the consent of the brethren. 
Mr. Rankin is reported to have been a stern disciplinarian 
of the Presbyterian class ; a Scotchman by birth and edu- 
cation, and somewhat inflexible in his character, after the 
manner of his countrymen. 

The above resolutions were not passed without debate, 
or carried into effect without opposition. There seems to 
have been no demur in regard to the authority of Mr. 
Wesley and the British Conference ; but on the question 
of the sacraments, the feeling was not equally unanimous. 
Some of the brethren, as Mr. Strawbridge, had been in the 
habit of administering these sacred rites to the satisfaction 
of the people, so that the rule on the subject came into 
collision with the practice of some of the societies. On 
other points there was some difference of opinion, and the 
New- York people threatened to shut the doors of their chapel 
against Mr. Rankin. These differences gradually subsided, 
and by the careful enforcement of discipline, together with the 
faithful ministerial labours of the preachers, order became 
predominant, and prosperity attended the work. By the 



228 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

merciful ordination of Divine Providence, this work of 
union took effect at the right time. Events of a distressing 
character were approaching ; and if this consohdation had 
not been then attained, the probabihty is, that it would not 
have been secured for many years, if at all. Peace being 
established, the brethren had time to extend their evange- 
lical labours through various portions of the provinces of 
New- York, Virginia, Maryland, Long Island, Delaware, the 
Jerseys, Pennsylvania, as well as in the cities. From Avhat 
followed, it almost seemed as if Mr. Rankin had received 
an especial commission to grapple with the incipient disor- 
ders which had unhappily crept in, and establish on a firm 
foundation the whole Methodist system, before the revolu- 
tionary hurricane broke out. 



CHAPTER TV. 

The Revolutionary Period— Messrs. Rankin, Shadford, and Rodda depart for 
England — Adventures of Shadford — Asbury determines to remain— His Exer- 
cises of Mind— Finds Refuge in the House of Judge V^liite — Persecutions of 
Messrs. Hartley and Garrettson — Mr. Jarratt's Account of a Revival of 
Religion in Vii-ginia— Reflections on the Revolution— John Calvin's Dogma- 
Originates the Revolution — Its Success. 

We now approach the revolutionary period, which, to the 
infant Methodist Church, was a sore trial. With the Eng- 
lish preachers a point of conscience of a very perplexing 
nature at once arose. The Americans began their work by 
resolving themselves into an independent confederation, in 
these words : " Resolved, that these united colonies are, 
and of right ought to be, free and independent States ; that 
they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown ; 
and that all political connexion between them and the State 
of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totallj^ dissolved." 
This instrument bears date July 2d, 11 IG. — Hickey's Con- 
stitution of the United States. This, of course, left British 
subjects no choice ; they were either obliged to renounce 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 229 

their allegiance to their own sovereign, leave the coun- 
try, or evade the laws by concealment. All the preach- 
ers, except Mr. Asbiiry, chose at once to return home. 
But this was evidently a great exercise of their feelings. 
They delighted in their work, saw much good going on, 
and had the prospect of witnessing the spread of religion 
on a magnificent scale. 

The agitations of mind and positive dangers to which these 
good men were exposed, are truly affecting. On Tuesday, 
May 16th, 111 5, Mr. Rankin remarks : — 

" The preachers came together from then- different circuits, and 
next day we began our little Conference. We conversed together, 
and concluded our business in love. Mr. Strenger spent some time 
with us. We all came unanimously to the conclusion to follow the 
advice that Mr. Wesley and his brethren had given us, and leave the 
event to God. AVe had abimdant reason to bless God for the increase 
of his work last year. W^e had above a thousand added to the dif- 
ferent societies, and they had increased to ten circuits. Our joy in 
God would haA'e been abundantly more, had it not been for the pre- 
parations of war that now rang throughout this city. (Philadelphia.) 

I endeavoured to open up and enforce the cause of our misery. 

I told them that the sins of Great Britain and her colonies had long 
called aloud for vengeance, and in a particular manner the dreadful 
sin of buying and selling the souls and bodies of the poor Africans, 
the sons and daughters of Ham." 

How singular that we should find, in the midst of these 
notes of civil war, the following entry ! — 

"I called at Mr. Fau-fax's, (a relation of old Lord Fairfax,) a gen- 
tleman of large estate, and who of late years had been savingly 
brought to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was over at 
Baltimore at our little conference ; and at the lovefeast that followed, 
he sjooke of what God had done for his soul with such simplicity and 
unction from on high, as greatly affected every one who heard him. 
May he live to be an ornament to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus !" 
— Jackson's " Lives of Early Methodist P^^eachers" vol. ii, pp. 189-191. 

Mr. Rankin seems to have made his escape on pretty 
easy terms ; but George Shadford was called to encounter 
more formidable difficulties. He says, — 



230 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" The next summer and winter I spent in Maryland ; the winter 
on the Eastern Shore, where I could labour and be at peace ; but as 
the test-oath must take place there also, I was brought to a strait. I 
had sworn allegiance to the king twice, and could not swear to re- 
nounce him forever. I dare not play with fast-and-loose oaths, and 
SAvallow them in such a manner. We could not travel safe without 
a pass, nor have a pass without taking the oaths. At our Quarterly 
Meeting, I said to brother Asbury, ' Let us have a day of fasting and 
prayer, that the Lord may dkect us ; for Ave never were in such cir- 
cumstances as now, since we were Methodist preachers.' We did 
so ; and in the evening I asked him how he had found his mind. 
He said he did not see his way clear to go to England. I told him 
I could not stay, as I believed I had done my work here at present : 
and that it was as much impressed upon my mind to go home now, 
as it had been to come over to America. He replied, ' Then one of 
us must be under a delusion.' I said, ' Not so ; I may have a call to 
go, and you to stay ;' and I believe we both obeyed the call of Provi- 
dence. We saw we must part, though we loved as David and Jona- 
than. And indeed these times made us love one another in a pecu- 
liar manner. how glad Avere we to meet, and pour our gi'ief into 
each other's bosom ! 

'• Myself and another set off, having procured a pass from a colo- 
nel, to travel to the general ; and, arriving at the head-quarters, we 
inquhed for General Smallwood's apartments ; and, being admitted 
to his presence, and asked our business, we told his Excellency that 
we were Enplishmen, and both Methodist preachers ; and, as we con- 
sidered ourselves subjects of Great Britain, we could not take the 
test-oath ; therefore should be very glad to return home to our na- 
tive land. '• We cast ourselves,' we added, ' wholly upon your Ex- 
cellency's generosity, and hope, as you profess to be fighting for yom* 
liberties, you will grant us to have a j^ass, to have liberty to return to 
our ovra land in peace' He answered roughly, ' Now you have done 
us all the hurt you can, you want to go home.' I told him our mo- 
tive had been to do good ; for this end we left our own country, and 
had been travelling through the woods for several years, to seek and 
to save that which was lost. It was true, Ave could not beat tlie poli- 
tical drum in the pulpit, preaching bloody sermons, because Ave con- 
sidered ourselves messengers of peace, and called to preach the gos- 
pel of peace. At last he told us he Avould give us a pass to the Eng- 
lish, if we would SAvear we would go directly to Philadelphia, and 
from thence embark to Great Britain. He then swore us. and gene 
rously gave us our liberty Avithout any further trouble." — Jackson's 
" Lives of Early Methodist Preachers.'^ 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 231 

The danger, however, was not at an end. The same 
night, Mr. Shadford tells "us, that " a man leaped from 
behind a bush with his gun loaded and cocked," and, pre- 
senting it " at his breast, swore, like a fiend," that if he did 
not stop he should be a dead man. This man finally 
" dropped his gun," and allowed the Methodist preacher 
to take his departure. The next day he got to Chester 
" with his saddle-bags upon his back ;" and, at night, 
" crept on his hands and knees on a narrow plank to that 
part of the bridge that remained standing, and got his 
horse over the next morning." He arrived at Philadelphia 
the next day, and met three or four preachers who, 
like himself, " were refugees." They remained six weeks 
in Philadelphia, then took ship for Cork, thence to Wales, 
and finally for Bristol ; and Mr. Shadford " felt a very 
thankful heart when he set foot on English ground, in a 
land of peace and liberty, where was no alarm of war or 
bloodshed." 

The stout-hearted Francis Asbury was a man of another 
mould ; he would neither take the '^ test-oath," nor return 
to his native land. He resolved to brave all difficulties, 
remain at his post, and serve his brethren and the cause 
of his Divine Master as best he could. There is something 
remarkable in the incidents connected with the final settle- 
ment of this apostle of Methodism in America. Before the 
war broke out, there was evidently some misunderstanding 
between Mr. Rankin {Wesley s Wo7''ks, vol. vii, pp. 9, 10) 
and Mr. Asbury ; and Mr. Wesley again and again recalled 
the latter, but he firmly, though no doubt respectfully, 
refused to obey.* Let us listen to the noble sentiments 
of this true man on the subject of deserting the work in 
America. 



* The first lime I ever saw David M'Nicoll, when very 3-oung, I have a dis- 
tinct recollection that he said of his countryman, Rankin, that he was Mr. 
Wesley's caVs-paw. Great men generally have this kind of animal attached to 
them, often without any design of their own. 



232 TOUll IN AMERICA. 

"I received a letter from Mr. T. R., (no doubt Ranldn,) in which 
he informed me, that himself, Mr. R., (Rodda,) and Mi*. D., (Demp- 
ster,) had consulted, and deliberately concluded it would be best to 
return to England. But I can by no means agree to leave such a 
field for gathering souls to Christ as we have in America. It would 
be an eternal dishonour to the Methodists, that we shoidd all leave 
three thousand souls who desire to commit themselves to our care , 
neither is it the part of a good shepherd to leave his flock in time of 
danger ; therefore I am determined, by the grace of God, not to 
leave them, let the consequence be what it may. Our friends here 
appeared to be distressed above measure, at the thoughts of being for- 
saken by the preachers. So I wrote my sentiments both to Mr. R. 
and Mr. G. S." — Journal, vol. i, pp. 118, 119. 

Being soon after this left to himself, as far as regards 
the English preachers, it seems from his journal that he 
suffered great perplexity and agitation of mind. But lie 
continued through the whole period to breathe a noble 
spirit of piety and devotedness to God. His apprehen- 
sions of God, the strength and stability of his faith, the 
tenderness of his spirit, the regularity and fervour of his 
prayers, (determining to spend ten minutes in every hour 
in this exercise,) fed his piety, and strengthened his reso- 
lution. And then the remarkable caution, forbearance, 
and prudence he manifested ; the ardent, untiring, steady 
zeal, which moved in him with the regularity of the pulse of 
life ; the heroism of his soul in all possible sufferings and 
perplexing difficulties ; the decision he continued to mani- 
fest, in the midst of great temptations to deviate, in support 
of the doctrines and discipline of Methodism ; and then his 
indefatigable labours in travelling and preaching, — are all 
points of excellency, which are finely and fully brought out 
by these trying events. 

Mr. Asbury was, moreover, evidently a man of much 
sorrow. The depth of his feelings corresponded with the 
eminence of his piety, and the delicacy of his spiritual af- 
fections. Instead of manifesting anything like exultation 
or bravado in his differences with Rankin, and the part he 
was obliged to take during the troubles of the war, we find 



PART n. — NOTICES OP METHODISM. 233 

his spirit is prostrate in the dust, his soul lacerated with 
feelings of anguish, and he is constantly heard to sigh after 
the rest and peace of heaven ; very often uttering his 
wishes in the pathetic language of Charles Wesley's poetry. 
The outward incidents of his life, in these eventful years, 
are as nothing compared with the spiritual, the sublime, 
exercises of his mind. In the case of those who are in the 
hands of God, everything turns to good account. Baxter 
conceived the idea of his Saints' Rest at Melbourne Hall,' 
in a state of great debility, and when unable to perform 
more active service ; and John Bunyan wrought out his 
wonderful dream, the ''Pilgrim's Progress," in Bedford jail. 
Though Francis Asbury did not write a book in the seclu- 
sion into which, for a part of the time, he was driven ; yet 
he diligently improved his time in reading and study, so as 
to attain a fitness for his subsequent work, which probably 
he would not have so fully possessed without these trials. 
In nothing does this eminent servant of the Lord Jesus 
appear so great as in his spiritual character and walk 
with God ; and perhaps these excellences shine forth in 
more lustre and strength at this period than at any other 
of his life. 

Refusing to take the oath required in the provinces in 
which he had spent most of his time, Mr. Asbury retired 
to Delaware, and was most hospitably entertained and pro- 
tected in the house of Judge White, for about twelve 
months. He gives the following account of his reasons for 
this step : — 

"From March, 1778. on conscientious principles, I was a non- 
juror, and could not preach in the State of Maryland, and, therefore, 
withdrew to the Delaware State, where the clergy were not requu*ed 
to take the state-oath : though, vnth a clear conscience, I could haA^e 
taken the oath of the Delaware State, had it been required; and 
would have done it, had I not heen prevented by a tender fear of 
hurting the scrupulous consciences of others. St. Paul saith, ' When 
ye sin so against the brethren, and wound thek weak consciences, ye 
sin against Christ.' " — Journal, vol. i, p. 208. 



234 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

We have other sufferers in the cause of rehgion, as well 
as Mr. Asbury. 

" Ml'. Joseph Hartley, also, another travelling preacher, a man of 
great zeal and faithfulness, was apprehended in Queen Ann's county 
for preaching the Gospel, who gave bonds and security to appear for 
trial at the next coiut. Being forbidden to preach, he attended his 
appointments ; and, after singing and prayer, stood upon his knees 
and exhorted the people, until his enemies said that he might as 
well preach standing on his feet as his knees. He went thence to 
Talbot county, where he Avas seized and committed to jail for ' preach- 
ing Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This, however, by no means 
silenced him. The people collected around the Avails of his prison ; 
he preached to them through the grates : and so powerfully was the 
word applied to their hearts, that some of them Avere deeply aAvaken- 
ed to a sense of their lost and guilty state, and began earnestly to 
seek the Lord. This induced some of the inhabitants to remark, 
that unless Hartley were released from prison, he Avould couA^ert the 
whole t0A\^l. After keeping him confined for some time, he Avas set 
at liberty ; but such had been the blessed effects of his preaching, 
that a poAverful revival folloAved, Avhich terminated in the establish- 
ment of a flourisliing society in that place." — Bangs's " History of 
Methodism^' vol i, p. 127. 

Mr. Freeborn Garrettson also suffered greatly. 

" He Avas knocked off his horse by a brute named BroA^^l, Ms liead 
much bruised by the bloAVS he received, and Avas preserved from 
death, jirobably, by a female passing at the time, Avho, possessing a 
lancet, very opportunely bled him on the spot. After his restoration 
to his senses, a magistrate, as violent as Brown himself, proceeded 
to AATite a mittimus to send him to prison. But his exhortations and 
appeals, delivered in the spirit of the Gospel, so disanned his as- 
sailants that they desisted, and allowed him to go at lai'ge. Hoav 
CA'er, after spending some time in indefatigable labours in his Mas 
ter's cause, he was finally sent to jail. Though he suffered much in 
body in consequence of having no other bed than the floor, Avith liis 
saddle-bags for his pillow, Avith two large windows open upon him, 
yet he enjoyed great spiritual consolation in prayer and meditation, 
reading and Avriting, and Avas not a little comforted by the visits and 
prayers of his friends and pious acquaintances." 

Before his trial commenced, hoAvever, he was liberated, 
through Mr. Asbury 's intercessions with the governor 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 235 

of Maryland. — Bangs's "History of Methodism,^' yo\. i, 
p. 127. 

As might be expected, the societies were greatly agi- 
tated during the war. The question of the sacraments, as 
we have seen, came into discussion ; and, being pressed 
upon the subject by the people, a part of the preachers 
had ordained each other, and administered the ordinances. 
Mr. Asbury, Freeborn Garrettson, and one or two more, 
hoAvever, remained faithful to Mr. Wesley's principles, and 
firmly confronted the innovators. A partial separation, 
for a season, took place ; but by the excellent conduct and 
judicious management of Mr. Asbury, connected with much 
prayer, the breach was finally healed, and the dissenting 
brethren not only returned to their old fellowship, but re- 
nounced their ordination and the practice of administering 
the sacraments at the same time. 

What is remarkal le, in the midst of the commotions of 
war, and the agitations of the times, — a most extraordinary 
revival of religion took place in Virginia ; and very much 
by the instrumentality of the Rev. Mr. Jarratt, minister of 
the Enghsh Church. 

We see from this that God's spiritual temple was being 
built in troublous times. War, the worst of all calamities, 
was mitigated in its horrors " by the peaceable fruits of 
righteousness." 

In the midst of all these difficulties, Methodism, as an 
organization, as well as in its spiritual triumphs, made con- 
siderable progress during these dreary years. At the close 
of the war the Church numbered eighty-three preachers, 
and fourteen thousand nine hundred and eighty-six mem- 
bers. The Conference held in 1782 performed an act of 
justice in regard to Mr. Jarratt by passing the following 
resolution : — 

'• The conference acknowledge their obligations to the Eev. Mi-. 
Jarratt. for his kind and friendly services to the preachers and peoj^le, 
from our first entrance into Virginia, and, more particularly; for at- 



236 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

tending om* conference in Sussex, in public and private ; and advise 
the preachers in the South to consult him and take his advice in the 
absence of brother Asbury." 

Thus have we brought our historical notices down to one 
of the most eventful periods in the annals of this country 
and of America. The loss of her colonies by Great Britain 
was an event of the greatest national consequence, an 
awful catastrophe. The merits of the contest, the princi- 
ples involved, the spirit manifested on either side, the policy 
of the Governments, and the talents and blunders of each, 
are points lying altogether beyond our line. But it was a 
fearful thing to see masses of men of the same race arrayed 
in deadly conflict. It may be very true that great princi- 
ples were at stake, great interests the prize of battle, great 
issues the result ; but this does not alter the painful nature 
of the fact, that the combatants were brethren. The pas- 
sions then called forth, and the animosities created, could 
not but convulse both communities to their centres. To any 
other nation, less elastic and energetic than Great Britain, 
the loss of such territory, wealth, population, and political 
power, — must have produced a perfect paralysis, have 
prostrated the nation irrecoverably, and sunk her to the 
state of a fourth or fifth rate power. And to any other 
people than the children of this country, the prize won 
would inevitably have entailed insuperable difficulties. 

But the event itself is one of those stupendous facts of 
history which God decrees once in the course of many 
centuries, for the creation of new epochs on the theatre of 
nations. Its morale is infinite : it must reach through all 
time ; and touch and influence the destinies, in one Avay or 
other, of all countries. The reflux of the tide is now felt in 
all nations ; and the flow of events cannot be turned till all 
old things pass away, and, for good or evil, all things be- 
come new. Would the first French Revolution ever have 
taken place, or, if it had occurred, have assumed its demo- 
cratic form, had La Fayette and his legions never visited 



PART IL — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 237 

America, and imbibed the spirit of the revolt ? Would the 
thrones of Europe have been shaken by the revolutionary- 
war, and the mighty organic changes have been effected 
by even that war, which really occurred, had not this de- 
mocratic spirit prevailed ? Would the decimating power 
of the movement have swept away the old aristocracy, and 
the older church, so as to make way for the military dicta- 
torship of Napoleon, had it not been for this predominant 
tendency ? Would the singular events of the present day 
— the republicanism of France, the revolts of all the nations 
of Europe against their dynasties, the establishment of the 
democratic power, more or less developed, in new and un- 
tried institutions ; the freedom of the press, the opening of 
legislative chambers, the unrestrained expression of public 
opinion, and the strange sight of all kings and princes per- 
mitted to reign at all, borne upon the shoulders of the 
people to their thrones — would these things ever have 
occurred had it not been for American repubhcanism be- 
coming indigenous on the soil of France ? Who can see 
the end of these things ? No one ; it is impossible. Time 
alone can develop the principles and agencies now at vrork. 
The swell of the Atlantic, of the western waves, is now 
felt on every shore of Europe and of the world; and, 
from appearances, it seems not likely to abate till the 
tide has borne American principles to every nation under 
heaven. 

How little did John Calvin think of the egg he was 
hatching when, in his quiet study, in the quiet little city of 
Geneva, he first broached the doctrine that it was lawful 
for Christians, under certain circumstances, to resist their 
rulers ! This thunderbolt of John Calvin is the power which 
has shaken the world ever since ; and it is that which is 
heard in the air at this moment. Right or wrong, it is 
religion, that is, the dogma of a religious man, which has 
vrorked all the revolutions of the world. John Calvin^s 
doctrine, studied and imbibed by the Puritans, caused 



238 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

them to question the power of Queen EHzabeth and the 
Stuarts in ecclesiastical matters ; their collisions with the 
legitimate representatives of the "divine right" principle 
led to the English Grand Rebellion : this, again, led to 
innovations in the constitution of our country, and the 
existence of the Protectorate. The republicanism of Eng- 
land nursed young republicans for the wilds of America, 
where, under the guise of religious freedom, they were all 
along building up a democratic fabric; till the whole issued, 
as we have seen, in the independence of the States, and the 
mighty changes now taking place in the world. If the 
present movement should, in its desolating effects, subvert 
even Popery itself — not a very improbable thing, as so 
much has already been done — this will have been effected 
by John Calvin ; that is, by the idea which he first broach- 
ed, and which has been, like a rolling substance, gathering 
bulk, solidity, and strength to the present moment ; and is 
destined, like the " stone cut out of the mountain without 
hands," to dash in pieces the image, whether of gold, sil- 
ver, brass, clay, or iron — the image of the beast and false 
prophet, together with all the forms of power which have 
so long propped up this monstrous tyranny. 

But the American Revolution is likely to produce an 
equally wide impression of a religious nature. The exam- 
ple of a great nation adopting the purely voluntary princi- 
ple will, it is extremely likely, be followed by others. The 
people, who are now everywhere claiming for themselves 
the privilege of choosing their own temporal rulers, are not 
likely, for any length of time, to allow the extraneous 
appointment of rehgious governors. The public will claim 
for itself the right of giving its suffrages in matters ecclesi- 
astical. This principle, indeed, is already powerfully at 
work. Either a pure voluntaryism, or else nationalism, 
wliich is only voluntaryism in a national form, as seems 
from the tendencies of events, must predominate. A sys- 
tem which nations choose for themselves, may possibly find 



PART II.— NOTICES OF METHODISM. 239 

a place in the new order of ideas ; but as to a religious 
yoke being imposed by a foreign church — as in the case of 
Popery in ancient times — this is utterly impossible in the 
present state of things. The doctrines of the Papacy may 
indeed prevail in places Avhere they have been held for a 
great length of tune, till something better obtains ; but as 
to anything like the old dominion of the Holy See, this 
cannot find place in tlie midst of the growing democracy 
of the world. Indeed, institutions of every kind seem des- 
tined to be controlled by the public voice. 

The American Revolution, both in its political and reli- 
gious phases, may be considered as the advent of a new 
revelation of ideas ; as initiating a new class of social 
relations ; as founding a new order of institutions ; as 
creating a new, a democratic force, of tremendous power ; 
as ushering into the social state a new, but universal, ele- 
ment, destined, like the atmosphere, or some other ubiqui- 
tous agency, to modify all existing things ; — in a word, to 
put the world upon a new path, another probation, an 
untried exercise of its moral and political capacity. America 
has stood before the world, up to this time, like an athletic 
youth just having escaped from the care of parents and 
governors. How it will ultimately fare can scarcely be 
divined at present. Either from the conviction of conscious 
strength ; from a repugnance of evils, endured or imagined ; 
from the teachings of history, and the antecedent miseries 
of mankind, as suffered in the old world ; from the abhor- 
rence of the chains which governments and priesthoods had, 
in every nation of Europe, forged for the people, and suc- 
cessfully riveted on their hmbs ; from a detestation of the 
waste of public money, the hard earnings of the labouring 
classes, in the gorgeous decorations of the abodes of pam- 
pered idleness and debauchery ; from the notion that men, 
equally made in the image of God, are not, as a consequence, 
destined to be the playthings of vanity or the sport of 
despotism, but alike possess all the rights of manhood, and 



240 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

are equally capable of its duties and its blessings ; from the 
impression that rot and decay had entered the timbers of 
the old social edifices, through the ignorance, impotency, 
and pride of those who, for age after age, had inhabited 
them, and which were about to fall over theh heads ; from 
a conviction of the dreadful evils of war and bloodshed, 
generally arising out of the thirst for aggrandizement, the 
lust of ambition, the support of despotism, the quarrels of 
state -gamblers and prize-fighters, and never, on one side, 
from truth and justice ; — Ave say, from one or all these 
considerations the American people determined on abandon- 
ing the old systems, and to put themselves to the onerous 
task of working out a new theory. Their trial has proved 
to be the trial of the world. 

The French, in the exuberance of their vanity, attribute 
the advent of democratic principles to themselves. They, 
in their own opinion, are the apostles of liberty ; the 
philosophy of modern civilization originated with them; 
their nation constitutes the only focus of light and intelli- 
gence ; and, moreover, they are destined to renovate the 
world. The egotism apart, the truth is not so. The 
American Revolution is the event to Avhich we must look 
as giving the impulse to the new order of things ; and the 
seeds of this were laid in the Puritanism of the first 
settlers. 

The disputes about the legality of this revolution are all 
lost in the splendour of the issue. Nobody now ever thinks 
of the principles involved, or the disputants on either side. 
The fact is, in itself, too great to admit of these minor 
considerations ; it is, in truth, the fact of modern history. 
What will be the consequences of independence to the 
Americans themselves ? Hitherto it is vain to deny that 
the attempts at self-government have been most successful. 
No doubt there are ferocious passions in America ; and tales 
about the uses made of the bowie-knife, Lynch-law, and 
matters of that sort, are abimdantly rife. It would, indeed. 



PART II. — NOTICES OE METHODISM. 241 

have been a marvel, if a scattered population, living in 
remote places, away from the seats of government and 
magistracy, were not guilty of some excesses. And in 
passing from under the power of the parent state, and 
consolidating their own government, it would be equally a 
matter of astonishment if everything connected with the 
state-machine could at once be laid in an even balance, and 
be made to work without friction. But, bating unavoidable 
accidents, and the imperfections attendant upon all human 
affairs, the establishment of the American system and social 
state must be pronounced hitherto as a perfectly successful 
experiment. That other races should attempt to follow in 
the same direction, is no wonder; but it does' not follow 
that they can successfully tread in the steps of the Anglo- 
American people. The soil was free, the space ample ; the 
institutions founded among them while colonies of Great 
Britain were essentially democratic ; the people had been 
educated for generations in the principles of self-govern- 
ment, and in most places elected their magistrates, and 
often the governor himself. In this state of things there 
was no antagonistic power upon the soil. They had no 
throne to overthrow, no aristocracy to decimate, no hierar- 
chy to proscribe, even no code of law to abrogate. Every- 
thing favoured the experiment ; and, allowing for the 
infirmities of human nature, it must be conceded by all 
candid persons that hitherto the people have been true to 
the doctrines of their origin as an independent nation ; and 
that the estabhshment of the United States in their free and 
confederated nationahty is the greatest event of modem 
times. 

11 



242 TO UK IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER V. 

Measures preparatory to the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
Application of the People to Mr. Wesley — His Advice — Dr. Bangs's Account 
— The Church formed— Success. 

We now approach a period in the history of Methodism 
in the United States, of great importance ; namely, its 
estabhshment as an independent chm'ch. On the cessation 
of the war of independence, the American Methodists 
immediately resumed their intercourse with Mr. Wesley, 
and souffht his counsels and advice. The retirement of Mr. 

o 

Rankin had obliofed them to act for themselves ; and the 
preachers, by their own vote, made Mr. Asbury assistant 
in his place. This term, at the time, indicated that the 
person bearing the name was assistant to Mr. Wesley ; and, 
consequently, implied subordination to him and the confer- 
ence in England. By this act, then, it is apparent, that 
they did not contemplate a separation. They had no notion 
of independence, and did not assert it. The venerable man 
at once entered into their case, and gave them such advice 
as he deemed most expedient in their new and altered 
position. In a letter dated Bristol, October 3d, 1783, he 
writes : — 

" 1 . Let all of you be determined to abide by the Methodist doc- 
trine and discipline, published in the four volumes of sermons, and 
the Notes upon the New Testament, together Avith the Large 
Minutes of Conference. 

" 2. Beware of preachers coming from Great Britain or Ireland 
without a full recommendation from me. Thi'ee of our travelling 
preachers here eagerly desired to go to America ; but I could not 
approve of it by any means ; because I am not satisfied that they 
thoroughly like either our discipline or doctrines ; I think they differ 
from our judgment in one or both. Therefore, if these or any others 
come without my recommendation, take care how you receive them. 

"3. Neither should you receive any preachers, however recom- 
mended, who will not be subject to the American Conference, and 



PAKT II. — NOTICES UF METHODISM. 243 

cheerfully conform to the Minutes both of the American and Eng- 
lish Conferences. 

" 4. I do not Avish our American brethren to receive any who 
make any difficulty in receiving Francis Asbury as the general 
assistant. 

" Undoubtedly the great danger to the work of God in America is 
likely to arise either from preachers coming from Europe, or from 
such as will arise among yourselves, speaking perverse things, or 
bringing in among you new doctrines, particularly Calvinian. You 
should guard against this with all possible care ; for it is far easier 
to keep them out than to thrust them out. 

" I commend you all to the grace of God, and am yom* friend and 
brother, John Wesley." 

This advice was soon followed by greater and much more 
important events. We refer to the organization of the 
American societies mto a regular and independent church. 
This event is so important in itself, possesses so great a 
beaiing on the unexampled success of Methodism in the 
United States ; and, by some, is thought to fix upon Mr. 
Wesley the blemish of inconsistency with his cherished and 
long-avowed principles ; — that it seems necessary to go into 
the question. The account given by Dr. Bangs is so exact, 
and his reasonings upon the case are so perfectly sober and 
conclusive, and, withal, must, to most in this country, be so 
new, that it is thought best to give the narration in his own 
words. 

" We have arrived at a very important period in the history of 
Methodism in this country. And as so much has been said respect- 
ing the constituting of the Methodist societies here into an inde- 
pendent Church, I shall, in the first place, give a detail of the facts in 
the case, and, secondly, offer some arguments in defence of the 
measure. 

" I. Hitherto the Methodists, both in Europe and America, had 
been considered as a society ivithin a church 5 in Great Britain they 
considered themselves as members of the Establishment, in America 
as members of that denomination to which they might be attached. 
The preachers in both hemispheres, not having been consecrated to 
their work by the imposition of hands, were distinguished as ' lay- 
preachers,' and had not, except in the instance heretofore narrated, 
presumed to administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's 



'AM TUUU IN AiMliliilOi^ 

supper. Under these circumstances much uneasiness had been 
manifested both in Euroi)e and America, more especially here. But 
all solicitation, Avhether from the preachers or people, for the estab- 
lishment of a separate chui-ch, had been strenuously resisted by Mi-. 
Wesley, as being foreign to liis primaiy design, and incompatible 
with the principles he had avowed from the beginning of his minis- 
try. He commenced his ministerial labour with the single intention 
of reviving evangelical religion in the Chm-ch, by preaching her doc- 
trines, and enforcing her discipline. This was the state of things at 
the time of which we are now speaking. 

"As, however, the colonies had now become an independent 
government, no longer under the control of Great Britain, either in 
civil or ecclesiastical matters, Mr. Wesley began to relax from the 
sternness with which he had heretofore resisted the solicitations of 
the American Methodists, and to think seriously of granting theh' 
requests ; and after consulting with his most intimate friends re- 
specting the propriety of the measure, — for of its lawfulness he had 
no doubt, — he resolved to grant their request, and adopted means to 
carry the resolution into effect. ' At the conference held in Leeds, 
in 1784, he declared his intention of sending Dr. Coke and some 
other preachers to America. Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas 
Vasey offered themselves as missionaries for that purpose, and were 
accepted. Before they sailed, Mr. Wesley abridged the Common 
Prayer-Book of the Church of England, and A\TOte to Dr. Coke, then 
in London, desiring him to meet him in Bristol, to receive fuller 
powers, and to bring the Rev. Mr. Creighton with him. The Doctor 
and Ml-. Creighton accordingly met him in Bristol ; when, with their 
assistance, he ordained Mr. Richard Whatcoat and IVIi'. Thomas 
Vasey presbyters for America ; and being peculiarly attached to 
every rite of the Church of England, he afterward ordained Dr. 
Coke a superintendent, giving him letters of ordination under his 
hand and seal, and at the same time the following letter, to be prmted 
and circulated in America :'* — 

" ' To Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our Brethren in North America. 

'''Bristol, Sept. 10th, 1784. 

" ' 1. By a very uncommon train of providences, many of the pro- 
vinces of North America are totally disjoined from the British em- 
pire, and erected into independent states. The English government 
has no authority over them, either civil or ecclesiastical, any more 
than over the States of Holland. A civil authority is exercised over 
t}iem, partly by the Congress, partly by the State assemblies. But no 

* Moore's " Life of VVesZcy," vol. ii, p. 273. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 245 

one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical authority at all. In 
this peculiar situation some thousands of the inhabitants of these 
States desire my advice : and, in compliance with their desire, I have 
drawn up a little sketch. 

" ' 2. Lord King's Account of the Primitive Church convinced me, 
many years ago, that bishops and presbyters are the same order, and, 
consequently, have the same right to ordam. For many years I have 
been importuned, from time to time, to exercise this right, by ordain- 
ing part of our travelling preachers. But I have still refused, not only 
for peace' sake, but because I was determined as little as possible 
to violate the established order of the national church, to which I 
belonged. 

" ' 3. But the case is widely different between England and North 
America. Here tliere are bishops who have a legal jurisdiction. In 
America there are none, and but few parish ministers ; so that, for 
some hundred miles together, there is none either to baptize or to ad- 
minister the Lord's supper. Here, therefore, my scraples are at an 
end ; and I conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no order, and 
invade no man's right, by appointing and sending labourers into t3i6 
harvest. 

'"4. I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis Asbu- 
ry, to be joint superintendents* over om- brethren in North America. 
As also Richard' Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey to act as elders 
among them, by baptizing and administering the Lord's supper. 

•' ' 5. If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural way 
of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness, I will 
gladly embrace it. At present I cannot see any better method than 
that I have taken. 

" ' 6. It has, indeed, been proposed to desue the English bishops to 
oi-dain part of our preachers for America. But to this I object, (1.) 
I desired the bishop of London to ordain one only ; but could not 
prevail : ( 2. ) If they consented, we know the slowness of their pro- 
ceedings; but the matter admits of no delay: (3.) If they would or- 
dain them nov\', they would likewise expect to govern them. And 
how grievously would this entangle us! (4.) As om- American 
brethren are now totally disentangled both from the state and from 
the English hierarchy, we dare not entangle them again, either with 
the one or the other. They are now at full liberty simply to follow 
the Scriptures and the primitive Church. And we judge it best that 
they should stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has so strangely 
made them free. John Wesley.' 

* " As the translators of our version of the Bible have used the English 
word ' bishop' instead of ' superintendent,' it has been thought by us that it 
would appear more Scriptural to adopt their term ' hisho^:— Discipline.^' 



246 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" The following is the letter of ordination which Mr. "Wesley gave 
to Dr. Coke : — 

" ' To all to whom these presents shall come, John Wesley, late 
Fellow of Lincoln College, in Oxford, presbyter of the Church 
of England, sendeth greeting : 

" ' Whereas many of the people in the Southern provinces of 
North America, who desire to continue under my care, and still ad- 
here to the doctrine and discipline of the Chm-di of England, are 
greatly distressed for want of ministers to administer the sacraments 
of baptism and the Lord's supper, according to the usage of the same 
church ; and whereas there does not appear to be any other way of 
supplying them with ministers : 

" ' Know all men, that I, John Wesley, think myself to be provi- 
dentially called at this time to set apart some persons for the work 
of the ministry in America. And, therefore, under the protection of 
Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory, I have this day 
set apart as a superintendent, by the imposition of my hands, and 
prayer, (being assisted by other ordained ministers,) Thomas Coke, 
doctor of civil law, a presbyter of the Church of England, and a man 
whom I judge to be well qualified for that great work. And I do 
hereby recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person 
to preside over the flock of Christ. In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and seal, this second day of September, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four. 

'"John Wesley.' 

" Being thus furaished with the proper credentials, in the month 
of September, Dr. Coke, in company with Messrs. Whatcoat and 
Vasey, set sail for America, and landed in the city of New- York on 
the 3d of November, 1784. From thence they proceeded through 
Philadelphia to the State of DelaAvare, where, on the 15th day of the 
same month, he met Mr. Asbury, at BaiTatt's chapel. Mr. Asbury 
gives the following account of this meeting : — 

" ' Sunday, 15th. — I came to Barratt's chapel. Here, to my great 
joy, I met those dear men of God, Dr. Coke and Richard Whatcoat. 
We were greatly comforted together. The doctor preached on 
Christ oiir wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 
Having had no opportunity of conversing A\ith them before public 
worship, I was greatly sui-prised to see brother Whatcoat assist by 
taking the cup in the administration of the sacrament. I was 
shocked when first infonned of the intention of these my brethren in 
coming to this country : it may be of God. My answer then was, 
If the preachers xmanimoiisly choose me^ I shall not act in the capacity I 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 247 

have hitherto done by Mr. Wesley^s appointment. The design of organ- 
izing the Methodists into an independent Episcopal Church was 
opened to the preachers present, and it was agreed to call a General 
Conference, to meet at Baltimore the ensuing Christmas ; as also 
that brother Garrettson go off to Virginia to give notice thereof to 
the brethren in the South.' 

" According to this arrangement, Mr. Garrettson set off imme- 
diately on his Southern journey, sending letters to those he could 
not see ; and Dr. Coke spent the intennediate time in visiting various 
parts of the country, and preaching to the people. On Friday, the 
26th, Mr. Asbury says, ' I observed this day as a day of fasting and 
prayer, that I might know the will of God in the matter that is to 
come before the conference. The preachers and people seem to be 
much pleased with the projected plan ; I myself am led to think it is 
of the Lord. I am not tickled Avith the honour to be gained. I see 
danger in the way. My soul waits upon God. that he may lead 
us in the way we should go ! ' 

" In conformity with the above arrangement, December 25th, sixty 
out of the eighty -three preachers then in the travelling connexion, 
assembled in the city of Baltimore for the conference, in which Dr. 
Coke jn-esided, assisted by Mr. Asbury ; and the first act of the con- 
ference was, by a unanimous vote, to elect Dr. Coke and Francis 
Asbury as general superintendents ; for although Mi*. Asbmy liad 
been appointed to that high office by Mr. Wesley, yet he declined 
acting in that capacity independently of the suffrages of his brethren 
over whom he must preside. After his election, being first ordained 
a deacon, then an elder, Mr. Asbury was consecrated by Dr. Coke, 
assisted by several elders, to the office of a superintendent, in the 
manner set forth in the following certificate : — 

" ' Know all men by these presents, tliat I, Thomas Coke, doctor 
of civil law, late of Jesus College, in the University of Oxford, pres- 
byter of the Church of England, and superintendent of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in America ; under the protection of Almighty 
God, and Avith a single eye to his glory ; by the imposition of my 
hands, and prayer, (being assisted by two ordained elders,) did, on 
the twenty-fifth day of this month, December, set apart Francis As- 
bury for the office of a deacon in the aforesaid Methodist Episcopal 
Church. And also on the twenty-sixth day of the said month, did, 
by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by the 
said elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbury for the office of elder 
in the said Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch. And on this tAventy- 
seventh day of the said month, being the day of the date hereof, 
have, by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by 



248 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

the said elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbury for the office of a 
superintendent in the said Methodist Episcopal Church, a man whom 
I judge to be well qualified for that great work. And I do hereby 
recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to pre- 
side over the flock of Chi'ist. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto 
set my hand and seal, this 27th day of December, in the year of our 
Lord 1784. Thomas Coke.' 

" One of the elders who assisted at the consecration of Mr. Asbury, 
was the Rev. Mr. Otterbine, a minister of the German church. Hav- 
ing enjoyed an intimate acquaintance Avith this pious and evangelical 
minister of Jesus Christ, and having full fellowsliip with him as a 
laborious and useful servant of God, Mr. Asbury requested that he 
might be associated with Dr. Coke and -the other elders in the per- 
formance of this solemn ceremony. 

" The following persons were elected, twelve of whom were conse- 
crated elders : — Freeborn Gan-ettson, William Gill, Le Roy Cole, 
John Hagerty, James 0. Cromwell, John Tunnel, Nelson Reed, 
Jeremiah Lambert, Reuben Ellis, James O'Kelly, Richard Ivey, 
Beverley Allen,* and Henry Willis. Mr. Garrettson and Mr. Crom- 
well were set apart especially for Nova Scotia, to which place they 
soon after went ; and their labours and success will be noticed in the 
proper place. Mr. Lambert was ordained for the island of Antigua, 
in the West Indies. 

" John Dickins, Caleb Boyer, and Ignatius Pigman, were elected 
deacons. 

" II. Having thus given an account of these transactions, we pro- 
ceed to offer a few arguments in their defence. Let it be recollected, 

" 1. That there was a loud call for these things. Most of the 
clergy of the English Church, during the revolution, had fled from 
their flocks ; and those who remained, with very few exceptions, 
were fit for anything rather than ministers of the Gospel. From 
the hands of such men the Methodists felt unwilling to receive the 
ordinances. As to the Presbyterians and Congregationalists, they 
would neither baptize the children unless, at least, one of the parents 
professed faith in their doctrines, nor admit them to the communion- 
table unless they became members of their church. The Baptists 
were more rigid still, as they could fellowship none unless they had 
been baptized by immersion. To neither of these conditions could 
the Methodists submit. Besides, by these denominations, the Me- 
thodists were treated as heretics, on account of their opposition to 
the Calvinistic doctrine of decrees, and the final perseverance of the 

* " Mr. Allen was not ordained until the conference in 1785 ; and Mr. Wil- 
lis, not being present, waf5 ordained a few weeks afterward."— Lee. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 249 

saints. Hence a necessity, originating from the state of things in 
this country, compelled the Methodists cither to remain without the 
ordinances, to administer them by unconsecrated hands, or to pro- 
vide for them in the manner they did. Those Avho disclaim all de- 
pendence upon the argument derived from the necessity of the case,, 
would do well to inquire whether any man can be justified in doing 
an unnecessary work,— a work that might be Scripturally dispensed 
with. It appears to the writer, that if there be no weight in this ar- 
gument, then it follows, that Mi-. Wesley, and those who acted -svith 
him in this solemn affair, were guilty of a work of supererogation, 
and therefore cannot be justified on any principle whatever, either 
of Scripture, reason, or conscience. 

" 2. Let it be recollected, also, that those who consecrated Richard 
Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, namely, Mr. Wesley, Dr. Coke, and 
Mr. Creighton, were all regular presbyters in the Chtu'ch of Eng- 
land ; and that those who laid hands on Dr. Coke, and set him apart 
as a superintendent of the Methodist Ei:»iscoj)al Church in America, 
were also presbyters regularly ordained to that office. 

" 3. It ajjpcars manifest from several passages of Scripture, par- 
ticularly Acts xiii, 1, 2, and 1 Tim. iv, 14, and the testimonies of the 
primitive fathers of the Church, that presbyters and bishops were of 
the same order, and that they originally possessed the power of or- 
dination. 

"4. The doctrine of uninterrupted succession from the apostles, 
in a third order, by a triple consecration, as distinct from, and supe- 
rior to, presbyters, has been discarded by many of the most eminent 
ecclesiastical writers, as resting upon no solid foundation, not being 
susceptible of proof from any authentic source. 

" 5. Mr. Wesley possessed a right over the Methodists which no 
man else did or could possess, because they were his spkitual children, 
raised up under his preaching and suiDcrintendence, and hence they 
justly looked to him for a supply of the ordinances of Jesus Christ. 

" 6. Therefore, in exercising the power with which the divine 
Head of the Church had invested him, he invaded no other man's 
right, nor yet assumed that which did not belong to him. 

'• 7. Hence he did not, as the objection which this argument is de- 
signed to refute supposes, ordain either presbyters or a bishop for the 
English Church, nor for any other church then existing, but simply 
and solely for the Methodist societies in America. And therefore, 
in doing this necessary work, he neither acted inconsistently with 
himself as a presbyter of the Church of England, nor incompatible 
with his frequent avowals to remain in that church, and not to 
separate from it. 



250 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" 8. For, in fact, in organizing the Methodist Episcopal Church, he 
did not separate either from the English or Protestant Episcopal 
Church ; for that church had no jurisdiction here, and the Methodist 
was organized some time hefore the Protestant Episcopal Church 
had an existence. Hence he acted perfectly consistent Avith himself, 
with all his avowals of attachment to the Chm-ch of England, while 
he proceeded to organize a church here ; for Avhile he did this, and 
thereby established a separate and independent church in America, 
where the English Church had no jurisdiction, he and his people in 
England still remained members of the Establishment. 

" 9. While the Scriptures are silent in respect to the particular 
form of church government which should be established, they cer- 
tainly allow of an episcopal form, because it is not incompatible with 
any known precept or usage of primitive Christianity. 

" 10. This is further manifest from the fact, that the apostles and 
evangelists did exercise a jurisdiction over the entire Church, pres- 
byters, deacons, and people, though, at the same time, there is no 
proof that as to order, created such by a third consecration, they 
were higher than the presbyters. 

"11. Distinguishing, therefore, between the power of ordination 
and the power of jurisdiction, we may see how an episcopal govern- 
ment may be created by a Presbyterian ordination, and hence justify 
the act of Mr. Wesley and his associates in setting apart Dr. Coke 
to the office of a general superintendent. 

" These arguments are merely stated here as the grounds on which 
the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church is justified, re- 
fen-ing the reader who may wish to see them in detail, Avith the proofs 
on which they rest for support, to the book recently published, 
called, ' An Original Church of Christ.' In that performance he will 
see all objections met, and, I trust, fully answered, and the proceed 
ings of Mr. Wesley and his co-workers amj^ly vindicated. 

" 1 2. Another ground of defence is in the character of those who 
were employed in this transaction. As to the Rev. John Wesley, it 
is almost needless now to say anything in his commendation. In 
liim were concentrated all the elements of a great man ; and by a 
conscientious improvement of his gifts, having been made a partaker 
of ' like precious faith,' he was as much distinguished by his good- 
ness as by his greatness ; but all his other endowments were pro- 
pelled on by his inextinguishable thirst for the salvation of his fel- 
low-men, and fully employed, as an evangelist, in the grand cause of 
Jesus Christ. And such were the effects of these labours, that, at the 
time of which we are now speaking, there were no less than sixty- 
four thousand one hundred and fifty-five members of societv, and 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 251 

one hundred and ninety-five preachers, in Europe; and fourteen 
thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight members, and eighty-three 
preachers, in America; making in all seventy-nine thousand one 
hundred and forty-three members, and t^yo hundred and seventy- 
eight preachers. These had been raised up through his instrumen- 
tality in the short space of forty-five years, as seals to his ministry, 
and as evidences of his call to the work in which he Avas engaged. 
Of his call, therefore, and qualification for the work of an evan- 
gelist, there can be no doubt, any more than there should be of his 
right, as the spiritual father of this numerous family, to provide 
them with all the means of grace." — Bangs's " History of Method- 
ism,^^ vol i, pp. 151-163. 

Thus were the scattered societies in America formed into 
a regular church organization. This event, Hke the political 
independence of the States, is one of those circumstances 
which constitute epochs in the history of Christianity. The 
success of the arrangement has put to silence all surmises 
as to the wisdom of the settlement, whether entertained in 
this country or in America, It gave, in the first place, a 
free and independent action to the church so established ; 
which, under the able and judicious management of the 
new bishops, and especially of Bishop Asbury, at once be- 
gan, as if with new life, to develop its strength. Much has 
been said on the subject of Mr. Wesley's love of power, 
and, by Southey, on his towering ambition ; but this whole 
business palpably refutes all such allegations. It is not a 
characteristic of the love of power to part with it : and the 
yielding up of authority to others, is but an ill proof of 
ambition. John Wesley might have retained an entire and 
undivided exercise of government over the American soci- 
eties, just as he did at home, had he chosen to do so. His 
appointment of preachers would have been undisputed, and 
they, on their part, would have cordially supported his pas- 
toral authority; his missives of instruction would have 
been unhesitatingly received by his sons in the gospel, and 
obeyed in the most perfect docility of spirit ; the decisions 
of the British Conference, expressed in its Minutes, would 
have been complied with, for aught that appears, as the, 



252 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

canon-law of the American body : a president, sent from 
England in tlie name of the father of the whole family, I 
might have presided in the Conferences, and kept up the "y 
link of union, and thus have secured subordination. All 
this might have taken place ; and would, no doubt — or 
some other line of policy similar in spirit — have been pur- 
sued, had this great man been actuated by selfish or ambi- 
tious views. No act of his life, rightly considered, so fully 
indicates the integrity of his mind, the purity of his motives, 
the grandeur of his views, and the magnanimity of his cha- 
racter, as this arrangement. It is the act of a generous, 
noble-minded parent, dispossessing himself of his patrimony 
and power, to bestow it upon a son during his own life- 
time. The magnanimity of the measure, also, appears in 
its largeness. It went far beyond the anticipations or de- 
sires of the parties themselves. They had merely requested 
to have the ordinances among them, and, for this purpose, 
desired the ordination of ministers. But this could have 
been secured, as in Scotland, without either the establish- 
ment of an independent church, or the appointment of su- 
perintendents. The only question in the mind of Mr. Wes- 
ley must have been. What is best for the parties interested ? 
He soon answered the question by his conduct. His pene- 
trating mind, his sound understanding, his knowledge of 
the whole case, his Christian philosophy, and capacity 
to see into the future as well as the present ; — all this, 
in connexion with his noble disinterestedness, determined 
him to take the initiative, and himself to originate the 
organization and independent position of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

The issue has amply verified, and, one would think, more 
than verified, the highest anticipations of this faithful shep- 
herd. The great end he sought, in the extension of the 
gospel, and the conversion of sinners, has certainly been 
secured on the widest scale ever Avitnessed in modern times. 
This of itself would be to him a sufficient reward. He had 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 253 

no other purpose save this, in all he did. The object pro- 
posed by the several institutions ordained by him, was the 
extension of our Lord's kingdom in the salvation and hap- 
piness of mankind. 

But every other purpose has been secured, as well as this 
primary one. The doctrines he held so dear have been 
faithfully conserved and widely disseminated ; the main 
points of Methodist discipline have been sedulously guarded 
and carried out ; the holy living and piety towards God, 
so indefatigably promoted by him in his whole career of 
labour and of shame, have been happily secured ; the 
unity of a numerous people, who, with few exceptions, have 
given a cordial and hearty allegiance to the system he 
adopted, has been exhibited for the illustration of the truth 
of Scripture, and the edification of the world ; and that 
evangelic action which is indicated by the establishment of 
itinerancy, has been fully secured and prosecuted even be- 
yond the extent of their own gigantic country. 

Moreover, the world may now, if it chooses, look upon 
a primitive episcopacy in actual and living operation. 
Before this period it was only ideal. It might be found in 
the New Testament, in the practice of the first churches, 
in the I'emains of the primitive fathers, in the writings and 
speculations of men of moderate, but true and authentic, 
notions ; but the reality had long been absorbed in the 
monstrous usurpations of Popery, and other systems of 
ecclesiastical error and tyranny. That man must have 
possessed a stout heart who, in the presence of existing 
establishments, and the prevalent opinions of the day, and 
even of the church to which he professed himself to belong 
— who had the courage to return, practically, to primitive 
usage, and build up a living body on the model of the 
Presbytero-Episcopal Church of the first and best ages. 
He could not help foreseeing, also, that the temerity which 
would venture upon such a course must expose him to all 
manner of reproach. He braved it all ; and the American 



254 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Methodist Episcopal Church now stands, and will forever 
stand, as the noble monument of his wisdom, love of truth, 
disinterested devotion to his Master's honour, and his peo- 
ple's good ; as well as of his own courageous contempt of 
this world's petty scorn, or of the grave or bitter rebukes of 
an incensed and privileged priesthood. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The new Order of Things — Mr. Asbury becomes the real Bishop of the Church 
— His Character and Qualifications for the Office — Dr. Coke exceeds liis 
Powers — Certificate— The Episcopacy defined and guarded — Mr. Wesley's 
Offence at the Use of the Term " Bishop" — Letter to Asbury— Dr. Coke in 
Difficulties respecting the Address to Washington — And on Slavery — The 
Church takes its Standing among the Institutions of the United States. 

Mr. Asbury, under the new order of things, became the 
real superintendent of the Methodist Church, Dr. Coke 
returning home, and only occasionally visiting the conti- 
nent. It was a merciful dispensation that this power fell 
into his hands. In addition to true piety, which we have 
before considered, he was blessed with a sound judgment, 
great moderation, tender sympathy with his fellow-labour- 
ers, intense desire for the salvation of mankind, uncompro- 
mising integrity, and entire decision of character. He 
seems to have devoted himself most sedulously to the cul- 
tivation of a knowledge of theology, as far as circumstances 
would allow ; was a constant and zealous preacher — plain, 
practical, energetic, though not eloquent ; an assiduous 
pastor, naturally caring for the spiritual and temporal wel- 
fare of all the people ; and bent, in his evangelical toils, 
upon spreading true religion through the entire continent. 
But Mr. Asbuiy seems to have possessed, in an eminent 
degree, that wonderful gift which is sometimes seen in 
favoured individuals — an almost irresistible influence over 
men. Undoubtedly this originates, in part, in confidence 
in their integrity ; and yet not altogether so. Indeed, 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 255 

without the conviction of this quahty, and many others, the 
homage would not be given ; but no assemblage of moral 
excellences will, of themselves, lead to this result. It is 
evidently the power of mind ; though in what that power 
consists, is extremely difficult to define. To say it is intel- 
lectual would not meet the case, as there are many men of 
high and noble intellect who possess no very commanding 
influence among their fellows. Extraordinary religious 
attainments, and the reputation of exalted sanctity, though 
producing gi-eat reverence, yet does not, of itself, lead to 
the dominion of the mind of which we speak. It appears 
to consist of — shall we call it ? — robustness of soul, 
especially in strength of will. This, when connected with a 
corresponding amount of intelligence, judgment, insight 
into character, integrity, and honour; and, withal, that 
strange thing called " tact" — a perception of the right 
time, the right means, the right spirit and mode of 
proceeding — seem to constitute the elements of this cha- 
racter. 

Be this as it may, these characteristics all met in Mr. 
Asbury. But, after all, his power was his piety, connected 
with corresponding energetical labours. No niitural en- 
dowments could have made him what we see him to have 
been. He seems to have possessed an intense and a pro- 
found faith, which was constantly at work. He was a be- 
liever in the living, active, omnipresent reign of God ; and 
was in the habit of viewing all things through the medium 
of his providence and will. His mission to America was 
undertaken, as we have seen, in the full and unwavering 
persuasion, that it was the call and will of God. The resist- 
ance he set up against Mr. Wesley's commands to return 
home, after only being in the country a short time, and his 
pertinacious determination to remain at his post at the 
period of the Revolution, though adopted in the midst of 
the most painful and embarrassing exercises, were taken 
with the full belief that his continuance at his post was the 



256 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

ordination of God. So, again, when all his English bre- 
thren deserted him, and his heart was left to bleed at their 
loss, and especially for the loss of George Shadford, for 
whom he entertained the warmest possible affection; v.-hen 
he stood alone, and had to pass through years of distress, 
anxiety, and sorrow ; — he still adhered to the belief that he 
was called of God to all this. In like manner, when it was 
proposed to him to take the new office of superintendent, 
and adopt the church-system which Mr. Wesley had framed, 
and of which he seems to have had no premonition what- 
ever, on consideration, connected with prayer, he entered 
upon it as the appointment of God. This was the habit of 
his mind. And never taking up a new position without 
being entirely persuaded that it was the will of God, he 
never afterward swerved. 

These are the men who rule mankind. Their soul seems 
to be rooted in some eternal, immutable, unalterable truth 
— which, as the soil supports the oak, strengthens them 
for every emergency. Hence they are always the same ; 
the vacillations of weaker men, the sweep of time, and all 
other contingencies, find them still inflexibly bent upon 
their mission. But this decision of character in Mr. Asbury 
by no means made him insensible, or blunted his feelings. 
We often find him in deep distress of mind, his sensibilities 
lacerated, his soul in an agony, as evils present themselves 
before him ; but still his refuge is prayer, leading him con- 
stantly to God in Christ. The miseries of his itinerant life 
deeply affected him. Something like the spirit of Jonah, 
when he saw his " gourd" wither, and the sun smote him, 
occasionally appears in his Journals. When traversing the 
untrodden forests, and crossing dangerous rivers, in the 
midst of all kinds of weather, the summer's heat, and the 
winter's cold ; living on the meanest fare, and that by the 
charity of others ; lodging in log-huts, in the midst of filth, 
vermin, and noisy children ; — he sometimes gives way to 
exclamations of anguish, and longs for death and heaven. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 257 

No wonder. Yet, harassed by all these exercises, he still 
goes on. Not an expression of doubt as to his line of duty 
ever occurs ; no shrinking under his load of labour and 
privation is ever witnessed ; not a whisper of giving in, of 
retiring, of seeking ease, is ever heard. Certainly, he had 
no desire for anything on earth different from his life of 
toil and danger ; and the only change he ever refers to, is 
a dismissal by the command of his heavenly Master to the 
rest of heaven. 

Such was the man to whom were chiefly committed the 
interests of the newly-formed Methodist Episcopal Church. 
As might be expected, some little friction appeared in the 
movements of the machine for some short time : but nothing* 
of any weighty consideration. It seems astonishing that the 
new regime was permitted to come into operation so easily ; 
but, with great wisdom and foresight of consequences, Mr. 
Asbury refused to take the office assigned him by Mr. 
Wesley, till he had obtained the concurrent suffrages of the 
Conference. This assent was accorded unanimously ; and, 
of course, afterwards they could not quarrel with their 
own election. This did not enter into the plan of Mr. 
Wesley, nor of Dr. Coke ; but this judicious man un- 
derstood his position ; and, as in all his proceedings, 
before he moved in the matter, he made his ground per- 
fectly sure. 

In a while after the settlement of these affairs, Dr. Coke 
returned to England ; and, it seems, exercised some of the 
functions of his new office while at home. This gave um- 
brage to his brethren in America. And when, on his se- 
cond visit, he arrived in Baltimore, — 

" Some dissatisfaction was manifested toward him, because, while 
in Europe, he had, as was contended, so far ti*anscended his powers 
as to alter the time and place for the conference to meet, after they 
had been fixed by the conference itself This, with some other com- 
]jlaint3 of a trifling character, drew from Dr. Coke, with a view to 
allay all apprehensions of his American bretliren hereafter, the fol- 
lowing certificate : — 



258 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" ' The Cenijicate of Dr. Coke to the Conference. 

'"I do solemnly engage by this instrument, that I never will, by 
virtue of my office as superintendent of the Methodist Church, during 
my absence from the United States of America, exercise any govern- 
ment whatever in the said Methodist Church during my absence from 
the United States. And I do also engage, that I Avill exercise no 
privilege in the said Church Avhen present in the United States, ex- 
cept that of ordaining according to the regulations and laws already 
existing or hereafter to be made in the said Church, and that of pre- 
siding in the said conference ; and, lastly, that of travelling at large. 
Given under my hand, the second day of May, in the year 1787. 

" ' Thomas Coke.' 

" And with a view to guard as much as possible against similar 
infringements of their rights in future, the following question and 
answer were entered on the Minutes : — 

'• ' QuES. — Wlio are the superintendents of our Church in these 
United States 1 

'"Ans. — Thomas Coke (when present in the States) and Francis 
Asbury.' "— Bangs's ''History of Methodism^' vol i, pp. 256, 257. 

About this time the two superintendents took upon tliem 
the name of " bishop." This was done, it appears, in the 
first instance, by their own act (was it not that of Dr. 
Coke ?) in subscribing themselves such, in a new edition 
of the book of Discipline. This led to some little alterca- 
tion, and grievously offended Mr. Wesley. But though the 
Conference did not determine the question in the first 
place; yet, on their assembling in 1*787, they approved of 
and confirmed it in the following words : — 

" We have constituted om-selves into an Episcopal church, under 
the direction of bishops, elders, and deacons, and preachers, accord- 
ing to the form of ordination annexed to our Prayer-Book, and the 
regulations laid down in this foi-m of discipline." 

In the Conference of 1*788, we have this question and 
answ^er : — 

" Ques. — Who are the bishops for our church in the United 
States ? 

" Ans. — Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury." 

Thus Episcopacy was formally established, to the great 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 259 

annoyance of Mr. Wesley, who had employed the more 
humble term " superintendent." Hence he addressed the 
following characteristic letter to Bishop Asbury :- 

" There is, indeed, a wide dififerenee between the relation wherein 
you stand to the Americans, and the relation Avherein I stand to all 
the Methodists. You arc the elder brother of the American Method- 
ists ; I am, under God, the father of the whole family. Therefore, I 
naturally care for you all in a manner no other person can do. 
Therefore I, in a measure, provide for you all ; for the supplies 
which Dr. Coke proAddes for you, he could not provide were it not 
for me, — were it not that I not only permit him to collect, but also 
support him in so doing. 

" But, in one point, my dear brother, I am a little afi-aid, both the 
doctor and you differ from me. I study to be little, you study to be 
great ; I creep, you strut along ; I found a school, you a college. 
Nay, and call it after your own names, (Cokesbury.) O beware ! 
Do not seek to be something ! Let me be nothing, and ' Christ be 
all in all.' 

" One instance of thi ■. of your greatness, has given me great con- 
cern. How can you. Lcnv dare you, suiFer yourself to be called 
bishop ? I slmdder, I start, at the veiy thought ! Men may call me 
a fool, or a rascal, a scoundrel, and I am content ; but they shall 
never, by my consent, call me bishop ! For my sake, for God's sake, 
for Christ's sake, put a full end to this. Let the Presbyterians do 
what they please, but let the Methodists know their calling bettei*. 

" Thus, my dear Frankey, I have told you all that is in my heart. 
And let this, when I am no more seen, bear witness how sincerely I 
am, &c." 

The somewhat anomalous position of Dr. Coke as a 
British subject and an American bishop, now that the 
States were free, brought him into some trouble on both 
sides of the Atlantic. Occasion was taken, by the part 
he took in presenting the following congratulatory Address 
to General "Washington, on his appointment to the Presi- 
dency of the United States, to call the doctor's consistency 
in question.* 

* The event led to great dissatisfaction in England ; so much so, as to cause 
the Conference to leave the Doctor's name off the Minutes. — Drew's "Lt/e of 
Coke," p. 144, 



260 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" To the President of the United States. 

" Sir, — We, the bisliops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hum- 
bly beg leave, in the name of our society, collectively, in these 
United States, to express to you the warm feelings of om' hearts, 
and our sincere congratulations on your aijpointment to the Presi- 
dentship of these States. We are conscious, from the signal proofs 
you have already given, that you are a friend to mankind 5 and, un- 
der this established idea, place as full confidence in your %visdom 
and integrity for the preservation of those civil and religious liberties 
whicli have been transmitted to us by the providence of God and 
the glorious revolution, as we believe ought to be reposed in man. 

" We have received the most grateful satisfaction from the hum- 
ble and entire dependence on the great Governor of the universe, 
which you have repeatedly expressed, acknowledging him the source 
of every blessing, and particularly of the most excellent constitution 
of these States, which is at present the admiration of the world, and 
may in future become its great exemplar for imitation ; and hence 
we enjoy a holy expectiition, that you will always prove a faithful 
and impartial patron of genuine, vital religion, the grand end of our 
creation and present probationary existence. And we promise you 
our fervent prayers to the throne of grace, that God Almighty may 
endue you with all the graces and gifts of his Holy Spirit, that he 
may enable you to fill up your important station to his glory, the 
good of his church, the happiness and prosperity of the United 
States, and the welfare of mankind. 

" Signed in behalf of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 

" Thomas Coke, 

"Francis Asbury. 

'' Neiv-YorJc, May 29, 1789." 

The following is the reply of President Washington : — 

" To the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Clmrch in the United 
States of America. 

" Gentlemen, — I return to you individually, and through you to 
your society collectively, in the United States, my thanks, for the 
demonstrations of affection, and the expressions of joy, offered in 
their behalf, on my late appointment. It shall be my endeavour to 
manifest the purity of my inclinations for promoting the happiness 
of mankind, as well as the sincerity of my desu-es to contribute 
whatever may be in my power toward the civil and religious liber- 
ties of the American people. In pursuing this line of conduct, I hope, 
by the assistance of divine Providence, not altogether to disappoint 
the confidence whicli you have been pleased to repose in me. 



PART II. — NOTICES OF METHODISM. 2t)l 

" It always affords me satisfaction when I find a concurrence of 
sentiment and practice between all conscientious men, in acknow- 
ledgments of homage to the great Governor of the universe, and in 
professions of support to a just civil government. After mentioning 
that I trust the people of every denomination, who demean them- 
selves as good citizens, will have occasion to be convinced that I 
shall always strive to prove a faithful and impartial patron of genu- 
ine, vital religion, I must assure you in particular, that I take in the 
kindest jiart the promise you make of presenting your prayers at the 
throne of grace for me ; and that I likewise implore the divine bene- 
diction on yourselves and your religious community. 

" Geokge Washington."* 

On the proposition being made to present an Address to 
the new President, we are told that Conference approved 
and appointed the two bishops, Dr. Coke and Asbury, to 
draw it up, which they did. Bishop Coke, however, being 
a British subject, it was thought he ought not to read it, 
and Asbury performed that service, "with great self-pos- 
session." The other ministers and denominations were 
angry that " the Methodists should take the lead ;" and the 
next week batteries of raillery and vituperation were let 
loose on the poor doctor. They ironically asked, " Who 
was he ? How came he to be a bishop ? Who consecrated 
him ?" then uttered severe strictures on the impropriety 
of a British subject signing an address approving of the 
Government of the United States ; charging him with 
duplicity, and that he was the enemy of the independence 
of America. 

To the good people on this side the water, at the time, 
it would appear equally strange for a British subject to 
eulogize as a " glorious revolution," a war which had beaten 
and imprisoned the armies of his country, and wrested a 
mighty empire from under her dominion. And then, it 
would appear equally a question, whether Dr. Coke could, 
consistently, call the new institutions of America " the most 
excellent constitution of these States, which is at present 

* Bangs's " History of Methodism," vol. i, pp. 284-286. 



202 iOUil IN AMEKICA. 

the admiration of the world, and may in future become its 
great exemplar for imitation." The doctor did not trouble 
his head much about these embarrassments ; if he saw any 
awkwardness in his position, it made no difference in the 
discharo-e of what he conceived to be his duties. 

But Dr. Coke got into hot water on another, a more vital, 
matter, namely, that of slavery. Southey gives this case 
with so much truth and felicity of expression, that we can- 
not do better than insert his narrative. 

'• Wesley had borne an early testimony against the system of Negro 
slavery ; on this point his conduct is curiously contrasted with 
Whitefield's, Avho exerted himself in obtaining a repeal of that part 
of the charter granted to the colony of Georgia, whereby slaveiy was 
prohibited. Dr. Coke, feeling like AVesley, took wp the subject with 
his usual ardour, preached upon it with great vehemence, and pre- 
pared a petition to Congress for the emancipation of the Negroes. 
With this petition, he and Asbury went to General Washington, at 
Mount Vernon, and solicited him to sign it. Washington received 
them courteously and hospitably ; he declined signing the petition, 
that being inconsistent with the rank which he held; but he assured 
them that he agreed with them : and that, if the Assembly should 
take their petition into consideration, he Avould signify his senti- 
ments by a letter. They proceeded so far themselves, that they re- 
quired the members of the society to set their slaves free ; and seve- 
ral persons were found who made this sacrifice from a sense of duty. 
One planter in Virginia emancipated twenty-two, who were, at the 
time, Avorth from thirty to forty pounds each. His name was Ken. 
non, and it deserves to be honourably recorded. But such instances 
were rare ; and Dr. Coke, Avho had much of the national ardour in 
his character, proceeded in such an intolerant spirit of philanthropy, 
that he soon provoked a violent opposition, and incuiTcd no small 
degree of personal danger. One of his sermons upon this topic in- 
censed some of his hearers so much, that they withdrew, for the 
purpose of way-laying him ; and a lady Negro-OA^Tier promised them 
fifty pounds, if they Avould give ' that little doctor' a hundi-ed lashes. 
But the better part of his congregation protected him ; and that same 
sermon produced the emancipation of twenty-four slaves. In one 
county the slave-o^^^^ers presented a bill against him, which was 
found by the grand jury, and no less than ninety persons set out in 
pursuit of him ; but he was got beyond their reach. A more fero- 
cious enemy followed him, with an intention of shooting him : this 



PART 11. — iSUTlOEa OF METHODISM. 263 

the man himself confessed, when, some time afterwards, he became a 
member of the Methodist society. On his second visit to America, 
Coke was convinced that he had acted indiscreetly, and he con- 
sented to let the question of emancipation rest, rather than stir up an 
opposition which so greatly impeded the progress of Methodism." — 
Life of Wesley^ vol. ii, p. 452. 

Thus, in connexion with some slight agitations, not, how- 
ever, of principle, but of accident., the Methodist Episcopal 
Church took its ground in the midst of the institutions of 
the United States. The authorities, from the beginning, 
evidently viewed it with no displeasure ; and, as far as the 
State has control in such matters^ather gave it countenance 
than the contrary. The lay public, except in the expres- 
sion of those outbursts of mahgnity, spleen, and opposition, 
which are common to all populations, when an earnest and 
spiritual religion is introduced among them, were quiet or 
favourable. Some jealousies, as might be expected, pre- 
vailed among the religious bodies, and especially with the 
ministers. The prescriptive Calvinism of the old churches 
was disturbed by the introduction of the Wesleyan doctrine ; 
and their notions of the independence of churches, in their 
individual and isolated state, became antagonized by the 
connexional principle on which the Methodist Church was 
established. The title assumed, of bishop, could not be 
very palatable to ministers, who had all along associated 
the idea of aristocracy, prelacy, and lordship, with this 
innocent name. The very term must, in America, have 
awakened bitter associations in the minds of the descend- 
ants of the expatriated refugees, often driven from their 
homes by the persecutions of bishops, in the days of their 
domination in this country. That so little opposition was 
encountered at the time, indicates the moderation and the 
tolerant spirit of the Americans. Taken as a whole, the 
Methodist Church, in the principles of its foundation, its 
rules and institutions, together with the titles assumed by 
its chief officers, presented itself to view as, perhaps, the 



2t54 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

most conservative institution of the States. That it should 
have excited so httle jealousy, and properly no opposition, 
in the midst of the new democratic republic, shows the 
confidence of the people in their own power, the entire 
absence of religious bigotry, and the real and practical pre- 
dominance of a free and generous spirit. 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 265 



PART III. 

THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 

CHURCH. 



CHAPTER I. 

The doctrinal Basis of the Church— The Articles of Religion— This places the 
Church on a system of dogmatical Truth— The Difference between this and 
the EngUsh system. 

In presenting some account of tlie institution of the Ame- 
rican Episcopal Church, it is necessary to keep in mind that 
it rests altogether upon a constitutional basis. Nothing is 
left to usage, to tradition, to common law, or to the indi- 
vidual judgment of its ofidcers. By a series of enactments 
a complete and well-defined code of law and order has 
obtained, so that it is perfectly easy to comprehend and 
analyze the entire system. 

From 1766, the time of the formation of the first society 
in America, till 1784, they adopted the Minutes of the 
English Conference as the rules and regulations of their 
administration ; but at the latter period, ceasing to be mere 
societies, and becoming a regular church, they, partly by 
Mr. Wesley's recommendation, and partly by the enact- 
ments of their own Conference, proceeded to frame, from 
time to time, the ecclesiastical constitution by which they 
are at present governed. 

The doctrines themselves are the same as those held by 
the Methodist body in this country and all over the world ; 
but the documents securing the recognition and promul- 
gation of these doctrines are different. In this country 
Mr. Wesley's four volumes of Sermons, and the Notes on 
the NeAv Testament, constitute the legal creed of the Me- 
thodist Church ; in America the Articles of Religion of the 

12 



266 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

English Church, altered by Mr. Wesley with a view to bring 
them into harmony with his own opinions, have been 
adopted. These Articles of Religion were originally pre- 
pared by Mr. Wesley, and printed in "The Sunday Service," 
which he sent over to America, They were accepted and 
published in IVSS, and incorporated into the body of the 
Disciphne in 1790.^ These Articles have been reduced 
from thirty-nine to twenty-four, and some of those which 
remain have been changed in their phraseology, and por- 
tions omitted. Those which have been entirely left out are 
Articles — III. Of the going down of Christ into Hell. 
VIII. Of the three Creeds. XIII. Of Works before Justi- 
fication. XV. Of Christ alone without Sin. XVII. Of 
Predestination and Election. XVIII. Of obtaining Eternal 
Salvation only by the Name of Christ. XX. Of the Au- 
thority of the Church. XXI. Of the Authority of General 
Councils. XXIII. Of ministering to the Congregations. 
XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, Avhich hin- 
ders not the Effects of the Sacraments. XXIX. Of the 
wicked, which eat not the Body of Christ in the use of the 
Lord's Supper. XXXIII. Of excommunicate Persons, 
how they are to be avoided. XXXV. Of the Homilies. 
XXXVL Of the Consecration of Bishops and Ministers. 
XXXVII. Of the Civil Magistrates. 

The Articles which have been adopted, it will be seen, 
on examination, constitute a clear and complete standard 
of truth, notwithstanding the omissions ; that is, on the 
theory of Mr. Wesley, that the Calvinistic doctrine of pre- 
destination and election is not founded on the truth of the 
word of God. The expurgation of the Articles on the de- 
scent into hell, the three creeds, the authority of the Church 
to ordain ceremonies, the general councils, and matters of 
that sort, will be deemed by the great body of Protestants 
of this day as a benefit ; but, of course, the omission of the 

* Emory's " History of the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church." 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 267 

seventeenth Article will be differently considered by those 
who hold the doctrine therein contained. 

But the point to be regarded is, that by this arrange- 
ment the Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch is found to adhere 
to a system of positive, of dogmatical, doctrinal truth. In 
these days of rampant speculation and theorizing on mat- 
ters of doctrine, this is of great consequence. The Ame- 
rican people, like many parties in Europe, are somewhat 
addicted to give reins to their imagination and critical acu- 
men, even on questions of sacred truth. It is, therefore, 
of some importance to bind the Methodist body to the 
observance of something tangible. It argues sobriety and 
reverence in them, — a new, an active, and a perfectly free 
people, — to adopt the venerable forms in which the Church 
of this country put the truth nearly three hundred years 
ago, instead of placing themselves on the current of living 
opinion. We believe there have been very few secessions 
from the doctrinal opinions of the general body, and heresy 
is almost unknown in the history of the Methodist Church 
in the United States. 

There is, indeed, one striking difference between the 
American and English Methodists regarding doctrines. 
We on this side the water are bound by legal enactment to 
preach the doctrines taught in Mr. Wesley's writings, and 
it seems the Americans are under no such legal obligation. 
It follows that the obligation with them is moral, a matter 
of conscience, of faith, of conviction. Here then, at this 
point, tradition comes in, usage, and the influence and force 
of a common opinion. 

It is very well known that Mr. Wesley has taught, in his 
four volumes of Sermons, and Notes on the New Testament, 
opinions which are not found in the twenty-four Articles of 
Religion adopted by the American Church, except in the 
way of a very remote inference. Reference is here made 
to such subjects as the witness of the Spirit, — the witness 
of our own spirit, — Christian perfection, — and many other 



268 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

nice points of experience and duty. Now, as far as appears 
on the face of documents, and the Book of Disciphne, the 
Methodist Chmxh in the States has not bound itself to these 
expositions of doctrine. It has indeed enforced some of 
them, as that of Christian perfection, in the Minutes of 
Conference ; but they are not found in the Disciphne. It 
has, on the other hand, adopted the fundamental articles of 
religion, as so many great centres of truth, and, as it seems, 
left the detail and the interpretation to the living expositor. 
This will probably startle the English Methodist ; but, as 
far as appears from the publications, preaching, and testi- 
mony of the American Church, they have hitherto proved 
themselves true to the sentiments of our founder, and teach 
them as faithfully as is the case in this country. The doc- 
trines of a religious community, so long as they retain their 
vitality and simplicity, are always adopted as the living faith 
of the people. There is no danger while this vitality con- 
tinues ; the danger commences in the decay of piety, in the 
loss of spiritual life, and in the forfeiture of all that grace 
of which the doctrine is the type. This day has not yet 
come to the American Methodists. If it should ever arrive, 
it might possibly be useful to possess the doctrines of 
Methodism proper, in some way, so embedded in the 
system as to place them beyond the reach of rash and 
faithless men : and yet the history of the Church awfully 
shows how fragile all safeguards have been in the presence 
of the floods of ungodliness which have arisen and swept 
truth and holiness alike before its desolating wave. 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 269 



CHAPTER II. 

The Federal Nature of the Church— The Idea of Unity— How secured— Doctri- 
nal — Visible governing Power — Episcopacy. 

The Methodist Church is federal as well as episcopal. Its 
regime is constructed on the principle of the federation of 
the whole body, securing the rights and freedom, and, in 
defined cases, the independent action, of the several parts. 

The federal character of the church will be found deve- 
loped in the establishment of the Annual Conferences — 
their rights and immunities — connecting with the General 
Conference. Its unity is a unity of several parts, possess- 
ing almost independent rights. 

In the spirit of this compact the ecclesiastical canons and 
government of the Chm'ch will be found to stretch to the 
very circumference of its extent. Every minister is alike 
under the dominion of its laws, every member is equally 
subject to its rules, the same doctrines are preached in all 
its congregations, its worship is the same everywhere, and 
the same forms of discipline pervade the whole body. None 
of these things are left to the suffrages of the people, to the 
influence of the popular will, to the fancies and sentiments 
of the moment. The framework of the Church has been 
built by the architectural skill of the able fathers of the 
community ; and those who enter into its family do not so 
enter to frame a system or to establish a government of 
their own as they think best, but to seek for personal edifi- 
cation, and to obey rules already existing. 

This unity is variously preserved. The first element, 
however, is to be found in the adoption of the common 
creed and frame of government refeiTed to above. When 
open and tangible symbols of the truth are professed in a 
church, and subscription to these is enacted as a condition 
of admission from the candidates for office, there can then 
be no room for disputation or difference, inasmuch as those 



270 TOUR IN AMERICA. 



1 



who cannot conform to the doctrines to be subscribed have 
an easy remedy in not taking upon them the office. This 
is certainly a fair principle toward all parties ; and, to the 
Church adopting it, must tend to preserve peace and one- 
ness : and it is equally clear, that churches following any 
other mode must often be convulsed with discord and 
divisions. A sufficient freedom, without any compromise 
of the truths of the gospel, seems the desirable and the 
difficult question in establishing a church upon a creed. 
How far this freedom should extend is a problem not easily 
solved. That all understandings can amve at conclusions 
perfectly similar, or express themselves in the same manner, 
is a pure impossibility. The intellectual, and indeed 
spiritual, varieties found among Christians will make this 
absolutely hopeless. Could it have been the will of God ? 
If so, how is it that in his creating wisdom he has made so 
great a difference in the structure of the soul ? And, espe- 
cially, how is it that the glorious verities of God's word are 
given to man with so little mathematical or logical precision? 
It seems sufficient for the purposes of Christian unity that 
men should believe in the same great truths, and seek for 
themselves the blessings which these truths indicate. 
Should not a church be large enough to admit men of 
every calibre of mind ? and while it faithfully adheres to all 
truth, and even states it dogmatically, which it has a right 
to do ; ought it not to leave the mysterious to stretch into 
the hidden and eternal, whence it emanates, and to which 
it points ? No human power can compress the truth of God 
into a syllogism, into a definition, into a logical proposition. 
In adopting the Articles of Religion as amended by Mr. 
Wesley, the American Methodist Church has secured all 
the great and glorious doctrines of the Christian system, 
but left the minute details unexplained. This gives as much 
freedom as any parties can have a right to expect, or as it 
would be safe to grant. 

Next to the doctrinal basis considered as a means of unity, 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 271 

must be reckoned the central power of legislation which 
has always existed. Without some recognized head, whe- 
ther pope, parliament, assembly, or conference, it is impos- 
sible that a people can be one. The principle on which 
this is found universally to prevail is evidently one of those 
fundamental laws of the universe which stamp them as 
divine. No society, social or sacred, can exist without some 
visible, palpable, recognized head. But it should seem that 
the mode in which the principle and law shall be embodied 
is left very much to human discretion, guided by the pro- 
vidence of God. Without the popish appendages, claims, 
and absurdities attached, the religious world seems very 
much disposed to go back to the old practice of giving its 
allegiance, so far as external order is concerned, to councils, 
and assemblies of men. These centres of life and authority, 
besides having the reputation of great wisdom by the joint 
exercise of many minds, and of purity and disinterestedness 
by the supposed impossibility of collusion in crime, are 
looked upon with favour by the people, from the fact that, 
in different ways, they consider tliemselves represented, 
either by election, or else by having men present who are 
connected with them, whom they know, and on whose 
integrity they can depend. They whose faith teaches them 
to expect God to interpose at all in the government of 
mankind, whether in church or state, look reverently to 
these centres of order and influence as the depositaries of 
his power, as the visible and outward embodiment of his 
mind and purpose. That the shoulders of individuals can 
no longer bear the weight of government, is clear enough j 
and that the people are indisposed any longer to give their 
allegiance to authority and power as a unit, is equally 
certain. 

That the Church, and mankind at large, will fare better 
under the new development than the old, is a subject of 
general hope and expectation ; the realization is in the 
future ; and the lover of mankind may indulge the antici- 



272 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

pation with glowing exultation, how much soever of dis- 
appointment awaits him. We see that things held at one 
time as sacred and undoubted truths are only allowed a 
limited course ; like material substances, they can only 
endure a certain amount of friction, and then wear out. 
Who could have imagined, in the palmy days of Popery, 
that the sentiment of the divine power living in the person 
of the pope, or in general councils, and spoken from the 
infallible throne of St. Peter, would have been held as 
transferred to the French Chamber ? and yet the faith of 
Lamartine, and men of his cast, is as devoutly fixed on the 
Revolution and its representative as the embodiment of the 
divinity, as that of the ancient devotees of Rome was fixed 
upon his Holiness. 

Be this as it may, the central power which has all along 
done so much for the unity of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, is one which partakes very much of the spirit of 
the age ; namely, the Conference. We only refer to this 
now, as a means of union and success among the Methodist 
societies. With few exceptions, this body has evidently 
possessed the confidence of the people ; and it has employ- 
ed its influence assiduously and wisely in promoting both 
the' consolidation and expansion of the Church. It is very 
evident that, in American society, mere power can do but 
little to bring about such a result. The cohesive force 
must be something different from naked, palpable, and 
frowning authority. With fiimness and adherence to con- 
stitutional rule and order, we believe the moderation of the 
American Conference has been its power. Its undoubted 
desire to promote the extension of religion ; to secure the 
happiness and interests of all its people ; to give them all 
the advantages of knowledge with those of piety ; to leave 
their civil rights and position intact, without any attempt 
to make them political tools ; the desire for their temporal 
advancement, and sympathy in their exercises and troubles ; 
the respect paid to all their feelings and sentiments, as 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 273 

expressed by petition and otlier means ; the anxiety to 
follow them in their pilgrimages into the wilderness, to 
minister to their spiritual wants ; — all these, and many 
other proofs of paternal care and good-will, have united to 
attract the confidence of the Methodists to their embodied 
head. So long as this confidence remains unshaken, the 
unity of the Church will be secured ; but the moment this 
confidence is lost, it must be dissolved. The abstraction of 
the key -stone of an arch would not more surely lead to the 
fall of the entire fabric, than the forfeiture of confidence in 
the American Conference, on the part of the people, would 
lead to the demolition of the Church, and the breaking up 
of the entire fellowship. 

But we have another great element of federal unity in 
the American Church in its episcopacy. It is extremely 
likely that all the rest would be insufficient without this. 
This is a vital bond of fellowship. The bishops of the 
church are in the habit of living among the people : they 
see and converse with them, they heal their diflferences, 
they cany among them the symbols of unity and paternity, 
and in all things their office is found to conserve the so- 
cieties. The Americans are too wise and too practical to 
leave a question of so much importance as the union of the 
Church to the influence of abstractions, to ideas and laws ; 
they embody the federal principle in their living repre- 
sentatives. These good men have never betrayed their 
trust ; never sought personal aggrandizement at the ex- 
pense of public peace and usefulness ; never attempted to 
build up the office of bishop into either a sinecure or a domi- 
nation. They become in this way the depositaries of a 
power which, though unfelt, is very efficient. It is impos- 
sible that a large community can long remain without 
causes of difference and debate. These, if left to them- 
selves, will soon produce jars and friction, which must, in 
the end, lead to disruptions. Men who refuse to submit to 
each other are generally willing to refer differences to a 

12* 



274 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

third party ; and, supposing confidence in his integrity is 
felt, are equally willing to bow to his award. This over- 
sight of the flock is thought to be well adapted to perpe- 
tuate the oneness of the body. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Methodist Church in its Subdivisions— The Circuit and Station— The Sta- 
tion an innovation— The Quarterly-Meeting Conference— Its Powers. 

The divisions of the Methodist Church exist in the form of 
circuits or stations, districts, and local Conferences ; that 
is. Conferences in the sense of a territorial division. 

We begin with circuits and stations. In the commence- 
ment of the work, circuits, embracing several preachers, 
and numerous societies, prevailed in America, as is now the 
case in England. In these circuits, an exchange among 
the ministers constantly took place, so that the congrega- 
tions were each Sunday, and at other times, addressed by 
these preachers alternately. This practice continues at 
present to a considerable extent, and especially in the 
country pUces. 

It seems impossible to cultivate a thinly populated tract 
of country at first, except upon the adoption of the mission- 
ary principle ; which principle is embodied in the practice 
of a pure itinerancy. Hence we find in the new countries, 
only partially peopled, that the ecclesiastical demarcation 
is now, properly so called, a circuit. 

But this principle has been nearly altogether abandoned 
in the towns and cities. The substitution for this is the 
STATION, which means the appointment of a single minister 
to the pastoral charge of one society and congregation 
during his term, which cannot be longer than two years. 
This minister is usually known by the desigrnation, " the 
preacher in charge" of such and such a church. This 
"preacher in charge" is the sole- pastor of the church in 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 275 

question, and he is alone responsible ; no one lias tlie right 
to interfere with him, except as by the provisions of the 
constitution. This arrangement is important, inasmuch as 
it is the abandonment of the practice of an alternating, mixed 
ministry, deemed so essential an appendage of Methodism 
in this country. Either by the force of habit, the influence 
of tradition, or the opinion of Mr. Wesley, and some of his 
most eminent followers, it is now a sort of settled point, an 
understood case, to be admitted without question or de- 
bate, that the same congregation cannot be well and effi- 
ciently served in their spiritual interests, without a change 
of ministers ; if not once every Lord's day, at any rate 
every other Sunday. If any deviation from this should be 
suggested, a thousand voices, without a moment's reflection, 
indeed, in less time than thought could be fbnned into 
words, would cry out, " Heresy !" and at once predict that 
Methodism would be ruined ! These parties Avould do well 
to meditate upon two facts ; namely, that*when Mr. Wes- 
ley established a universal system of itinerancy, including 
the change of men in the same circuit, he considered them 
as mere preachers, and not pastors ; and in theory he 
regarded the Methodist body as societies in the Church ; 
and, consequently, that the Establishment, was the church 
to which he and his people belonged ; and, moreover, that 
the minister of the Establishment, w^ho administered the 
sacraments to them, was their proper pastor. With these 
views, and with the purpose of perpetuating this state of 
things, he made itinerancy a legal part of the Methodist 
system in this country. The second fact is, that when he 
established a cliurch in the United States, though no doubt 
his desire and expectation was that itinerancy in all its 
gradations would prevail, yet he made no provision for its 
perpetuity. He evidently did not intend that the American 
ministers should be considered only as preachers. Hence 
his ordinations, his preparation of the " Sunday Service," 
his organization of a complete church. 



276 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Without giving up itinerancy formally, it will be found, 
on examination, that the introduction of the "station" 
scheme is a very great and important modification of the 
principle. Many of the " preachers in charge" are literally 
confined to one congregation. They never preach beyond 
the precincts of their ovrn church, and visit no country 
places, cottages, or anything else in the city in which they 
reside ; — in point of fact, they are limited to the pastoral 
charge of one congregation, and discharge none of the 
work of evangelists. It is not intended by this, that these 
men are idle, that they fail in the duties of their vocation, 
or, in fine, that they cease to possess the spirit of real min- 
isters. A large society and numerous congregation will 
find enough of employment for any one man. American 
Christians, 'like those nearer home, require pastoral atten- 
tion, and earnestly demand it at the hands of their minister. 
This, with constant preaching to the same people, fills up 
the time, and entirely engages the labours, of " the preacher 
in charge." 

The internal government of these circuits and stations is 
provided for in an exact manner. We find that an execu- 
tive power, called the " Quarterly-Meeting Conference," is, 
with the " preacher in charge," the governing body. Be- 
sides providing funds, and discharging the secular duties 
of the station, they possess judicial functions of some con- 
sideration. Indeed, it seems from the Rules that they 
constitute a court of appeal, as the last resort in all cases 
of discipline affecting the standing or character of mem- 
bers. The delinquent member is, in the first place, brought 
to trial — 

" Before the society of which he is a mcmher, or a select number 
of them, in the presence of a bishop, elder, deacon, or preacher. If 
the accused person be found guilty by the decision of a majority of 
the members before whom he is brought to trial, and the crime be 
such as is expressly forbidden by the word of God, sufficient to ex- 
clude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory, let the minister 
or preacher who has the charge of the circuit expel him Never- 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 277 

liheless, if in any of the above-mentioned cases the minister or preacher 
differ in judgment from the majority of the society, or the select 
nmnber, concerning the innocence or guilt of the accused person, the 
trial, in such case, may be referred by the minister or preacher to 
the ensumg quarterly-meeting conference." 

Again : — 

" If there be a munnur or complaint from any excluded person, in 
any of the above-mentioned instances, that justice has not been done, 
he shall be allowed an appeal to the next quarterly -meeting confer- 
ence ; and the majority of travelling and local preachers, exhorters, 
stewai-ds, and leaders present, shall finally determine the case." — 
"Discipline,'''' pp. 99-101. Last edition, 1844. 

This evidently places the final decision of all cases of 
discipline, regarding members in any particular station, in 
the hands of the authorities of that station. There is no 
appeal in these cases of moral criminality to any jurisdiction 
beyond the boundaries of the local church to which the 
accused party may belong. 

It may be interesting to some to give one item of the 
temporal economy of the Methodist Church through this 
Quarterly-Meeting Conference. 

" It shall be the duty of the said committee, appointed by the 
above body, or one appointed for that puq^ose, who shall be mem- 
bers of our church, to make an estimate of the amount necessary to 
furnish fuel and table expenses for the family or families of the 
preachers stationed with them, and the stewards shaU provide, by such 
means as they may devise, to meet such expenses, in money or other- 
tvise^ — ^^ Discipline,''^ p. 190. Last edition, 1844. 

It is to be hoped these committee gentlemen, who are 
called to sit in judgment on the eating and drinking capa- 
city of their preachers, their wives, and children, are imi- 
formly family-men themselves, possess the sympathies of 
parents and husbands, and do not receive their appointment 
because of a disposition to put the poor wretches upon 
*' short commons !" 



278 TOUR IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Subdivisions continued— The District— How constituted— The presiding Eider 
—Rules and Laws— Tiie several Orders of Ministers. 

The district is the charge of the presiding elder, and is 
constituted of a greater or less number of circuits or sta- 
tions, according to the convenience of the case. Properly 
speaking, the presiding elder is a bishop, and the district 
is his diocese. He is not appointed to any local charge, and 
travels through his district constantly for the purpose of 
superintending its affairs. 

The presiding elders are chosen by the bishops ; they 
are stationed and changed by the bishops: the bishops 
may allow a presiding elder to remain in the same district 
for any term not exceeding four years successively ; after 
which he shall not be appointed to the same district for 
six years. 

The duties of the presiding elder are, — 

" 1. To travel through his appointed district. 

" 2. In the absence of the bishop, to take charge of all the elders 
and deacons, travelling and local preachers, and exhorters in his 
district. 

" 3. To change, receive, and suspend preachers in his district dvir- 
ing the intervals of the conference, and in the absence of the bishop, 
as the Discipline directs. 

" 4. In the absence of a bishop, to preside in the conference ; but 
in case there are two or more presiding elders belonging to one con- 
ference, the bishop or bishops may, by letters or otherwise, appoint 
the president 5 but if no appointment be made, or if the presiding 
elder appointed do not attend, the conference shall, in either of these 
cases, elect the president by ballot, without a debate, from among 
the presiding elders. 

" 5. To be present, as far as practicable, at all the quarterly-meet- 
ings ; and to call together, at each quarterly meeting, a quarterly -meet- 
ing conference, consisting of all the travelling and local preachers, ex- 
horters, stewards, and leaders of the circuit, and none else, to hear 
complaints, and to receive and try appeals. The quarterly-meeting 
conference shall appoiiii a secretary to take down the proccediugj 



J 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 279 

thereof, in a book kept by one of the stewards of the circuit, for that 
purpose. 

" 6. To oversee the spiritual and temporal business of the church 
in his district, and to promote, by all proper means, the cause of 
missions and Sunday-schools, and the publication, at our o^vn press, 
of Bibles, tracts, and Sunday-school books ; and carefully to inquire, 
at each quarterly-meeting conference, whether the lodes respecting 
the instruction of children have been faithfully obsei-ved ; and to re- 
port to the annual conference the names of all travelling preachers 
within his district, who shall neglect to observe these rules. 

" 7. To take care that every part of our Discipline be enforced in his 
district. And to decide all questions of law in a quarterly-meeting 
conference, subject to an appeal to tlie president of the next annual 
conference ; but in all cases the application of law shall be with the 
conference." — " Disciplined^ pp. 31-33. 

From these rules, it is evident the office of the presiding 
elder agrees, in character, with the suffragan bishop of 
ancient times. By right of his appointment, in the absence 
of the bishop he presides at meetings for business ; he hears 
appeals, and sits in judgment in cases of discipline ; he 
travels through his district for the purpose of " overseeing" 
its state, and putting all things in order ; and on him lies 
the responsibility of seeing that all the rules of the Disci- 
pline are observed by both preachers and people. But the 
fact that all this is only done in the absence of the bishop, 
indicates that he is, in some sort, considered as his substi- 
tute. In point of practice, the whole falls pretty constantly 
upon the presiding elder, in consequence of the constant 
travelling of the bishops. We see from these laws that 
the American Methodists are not afraid of giving power to 
their officers sufficient to enable them fully to exercise the 
functions of their calling. A vigorous executive is what 
their system everywhere indicates ; but, at the same time, 
this executive is responsible for all its acts. 

Varioiis other ecclesiastical officers are found in one of 
these districts. It may be proper to give them a place 
here, that the whole case may be understood. 

" There are the exhorters^ who receive their license from a quarterly- 



280 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

meeting conference, and liave the privilege of holding meetings for 
exhortation and prayer. 

" A preacher is one that holds a license, and is authorized to preach 
but not to baptize or administer the Lord's supper : he may be either 
a travelling or local preacher. A local preacher generally follows 
some secular employment for a livelihood, and preaches on tlie Sab- 
bath, and at other times occasionally, without any temporal emolu- 
ment. A travelling preacher devotes himself entirely to the work 
of the ministry, and is supported by the people among whom he la- 
bours. All these, after being recommended by the class to which 
they respectively belong, or by a leaders' meeting, receive their 
license from a quarterly-meeting conference, signed by a presiding 
elder. 

" A deacon holds a parchment from a bishop, and is authorized, in 
addition to discharging the duties of a preacher, to solemnize matri- 
mony, to bury the dead, to baptize, and to assist the elder in admin- 
istering tbe Lord's supper. It is his duty also to seek after the sick 
and poor, and administer to their comfort. 

" An elder ^ besides doing the duties above enumerated, has full 
authority to administer all the ordinances of God's house. These 
generally, whenever a sufficient number can be had, have the charge 
of circuits, and the administration of the several parts of the Disci- 
pline of the Church." — Bangs's " History of Ilethodism" vol i, p. 246. 

These extracts, it is hoped, will give a pretty accurate 
notion of a Methodist district in the American Church, and 
of the funcuions of its several officers. The gradation of 
orders, it is seen, is very strictly observed. The exhorter, 
the preacher, the deacon, the elder, the presiding elder, — 
all taking their place in conformity to law and order ; and 
no man, as appears, moving in any sphere without a com- 
mission. The recommendation of " a class," as to a man's 
qualifications, and the power exercised by the Quarterly- 
Meeting Conference, will appear novel to us ; but, on 
examination, the anomaly will not turn out to be very 
great, neither be found very much different from our own 
practice. 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. g. CHURCH. 281 



CHAPTER V. 

Subdivisions continued — The Episcopacy— Bishops, how appointed — Laws and 
Regulations — Reflections — The Division of Labour amongst the Bishops — 
Names of those who have received this Office — Purity of Election — Popu- 
larity. 

We now approach a grave question : we enter upon the 
consideration of that function by which the Methodist 
Church is distinguished. We are not here called upon to 
enter into the controversies which arose on the appointment 
of superintendents for the Methodist Church by Mr. Wes- 
ley, or the assumption of the title of " bishop," as we have 
seen, by these superintendents, first by themselves, and 
then as assented to by the Conference. Our task is rather 
to describe the nature of the office, and the manner in 
which this episcopacy has hitherto worked. 

We begin with the appointment to the office. We have 
already seen that Mr. Asbury refused to take upon himself 
the episcopate, on the nomination of Mr. Wesley, till he 
had obtained the suffrages of his brethren in Conference ; 
so that his assumption of the duties of the station assigned 
him was rendered valid by the election of the body in ques- 
tion, as well as by the nomination of the father of the 
family. This precedent, no doubt, has had its effect in all 
future appointments. The bishops have never been, from 
that time, elected to the office by the episcopacy itself, by 
the call of the bishops preceding them, but by the Con- 
ference. It is necessary to give the law itself on this case. 
The Conference enacts as follows : — 

" Qtjes. 1. — How is a bishop to be constituted ? 

" Ans. — By the election of the General Conference, and the laying 
on of the hands of three bishops, or at least of one bishop and two 
elders. 

" QuES. — If, by death, expulsion, or otherwise, there be no bishop 
remaining in our Church, what shall we do ? 

" Ans. — The General Conference shall elect a bishop ; and the 
elders, or any three of them, who shall be appointed by the General 



282 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

Conference for that pui-pose, shall ordain him according to our form 
of ordination. 

" QuES. — What are the duties of a bishop 1 

" Ans. — 1. To preside in our conferences. 

"2. To fix the appointments of the preachers for the several cir- 
cuits, provided he shall not allow any preacher to remain in the 
same station more than two years successively ; except the presiding 
elders, the general editor, the general book-steward and his assistant, 
the editor and assistant-editor of the Chi-istian Advocate and Jour- 
nal, the editor of the Sunday-school books, the corresponding secre- 
taries, editors, and agents at Cincinnati, the supernumerary, super- 
annuated, and worn-out preachers, missionaries among the Indians, 
missionaries to our people of colour, ami on foreign stations, chap- 
lains to state-prisons and military posts, those preachers that may be 
appointed to labom- for the special benefit of seamen, and for the 
American Bible Society, also the preacher or preachers that may be 
stationed in the city of New-Orleans, and the presidents, principals, 
or teachers of seminaries of learning, which are or may be under om* 
superintendence ; and also, when requested by an annual conference, 
to appoint a preacher for a longer time than two years to any semi- 
nary of learning not under our care ; provided, also, that with the 
exceptions above named, he shall not continue a preacher in the 
same appointment more than two years in six; nor in the same 
city more than four years in succession ; nor return him to it after 
such term of serA^ce till he shall have been absent four years. He 
shall have arthority, when requested by an annual conference, to ap- 
point an agent, whose duty it shall be to travel throughout the 
bounds of such conference, for the purpose of establishing and aiding 
Sabbath-schools, and distributing tracts, and also to appoint an 
agent or agents for the benefit of our literary institutions. 

"3. In the intervals of the conference, to change, receive, and sus- 
pend preachers, as necessity may require, and as the Discipline 
directs. 

" 4. To travel through the connexion at large. 

" 5. To oversee the spiritual and temporal business of our Church. 

" 6. To ordain bishops, elders, and deacons. 

" 7. To decide all questions of law in an annual conference ; sub- 
ject to an appeal to the General Conference ; but in all cases the ap- 
plication of law shall be with the conference. 

" 8. The bishops may, when they judge it necessary, unite two or 
more circuits or stations together, without affecting then' separate 
financial interests, or pastoral duties. 

" Quiis. 4. — To whom is a bishop amenable for his conduct 1 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 283 

" Ans. — To the General Conference, who have power to expel 
him for improper conduct, if they see it necessary. 

" QuES. 5. — What provision shall be made for the trial of a bishop, 
if he should be accused of immorality in the interval of the General 
Conference ? 

" Ans. — If a bishop be accused of immorality, three travelling 
elders shall call upon him, and examine him on the subject ; and if 
the three elders verily believe that the bishop is guilty of the crime, 
they shall call to their aid two presiding elders from two districts in 
the neighbourhood of that where the crime was committed, each of 
which presiding elders shall bring with him two elders, or an elder 
and a deacon. The above-mentioned nine persons shall form a 
conference, to examine into the charge brought against the bishop ; 
and if two-thirds of them verily believe him to be guilty of the crime 
laid to his charge, they shall have authority to suspend the bishop 
till the ensuing General Conference, and the districts shall be regu- 
lated in the mean time as is provided in the third and fifth sections ; 
but no accusation shall be received against a bishop, except it be de- 
livered in Avi'iting, signed by those who are to prove the crime ; and a 
copy of the accusation shall be given to the accused bishop. 

" QuES. 6. — If a bishop cease from travelling at large among the 
people, shall he still exercise his episcopal office among us in any 
degree ? 

" Ans. — If he cease from travelling without the consent of the 
General Conference, he shall not thereafter exercise the episcopal 
office in om- Church." — ^'- Discipline^^^ pp. 27-31. 

The real genius of the American Church comes out in 
these regulations. 

1. We may remark, that the execution of the laws and 
disciphne of the Church is invariably committed to men, 
not to Boards, to Committees. There is a great difference. 
A Committee is a thing : it is an amalgamation of many 
intellects, minds, hearts, consciences, just making — nil. A 
Committee can do no wrong ; because, as all are supposed 
to do the wrong thing, none do it ! And as a Committee 
can do no wrong, so it can suffer no punishment ! Who 
could hang a Committee ? Because business is done by 
many and not by one, some parties have the idea, that more 
freedom is secured by this arrangement, and that Commit- 
tees cannot play the tyrant, while a man may do so. A 



284 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

greater fallacy never entered the brain of man than this ; 
and all experience, whether in Church or State, will furnish 
ample illustration. Surely, the Americans understand the 
question of liberty pretty well ; and, no doubt, it was this 
feeling, in connexion with other reasons, — and, among the 
rest, the intention to have their work done, and not shelved 
from time to time, — which led them to commit its execution 
into the hands of living, tangible, moving men. 

2. With the office and obligations of great duties, they 
consistently give ample power for the execution of the trust. 
In this we see no suspicions, no niggardly and petty jea- 
lousies, no fear. A frank and noble confidence in the men 
of their choice is manifested ; and these men, we see, are 
sent through the churches wuth full credentials and powers 
to execute their noble task. 

3. This investiture with real authority is not nullified by 
the miserable bondage of a load of conditions. They are 
not sent to move through the country with a web of spi- 
ders' -work around them at every point ; or of nets, gins, 
pitfalls at their feet, into which at any moment they may 
tumble ; nor has any small creature the power, by means 
of some of these contrivances, to trip up their heels, or 
prevent them from moving. What says the law ? The 
bishops shall " travel through the connexion." This is all. 
It is not said how fast, by what routes ; whether on foot, 
on horseback, or in a carriaffe. The meaningf is, thev shall 
be free to go, to execute their commission, none hindering 
or putting obstructions in their path. There is this differ- 
ence betwixt a little and paltry, and a great and magnani- 
mous, policy : the former sends its agents forth bound hand 
and foot, as mere puppets, to execute its commission by the 
instructions received ; the- latter selects competent men, 
furnishes the commission to act, and then gives freedom to 
the soul, — and in this freedom is strength. No human 
rules and canons can meet the exiorences of the world : 
man's soul alone, taught by God's own truth and Spirit, 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 285 

can do this. It is this principle, we are persuaded, which 
has given American Methodism its strength, its elasticity, 
its expansion, and its triumphs. 

4. With these powers and this freedom of action, then, 
we find connected the principle of responsibility. But this 
responsibihty is, in the law, limited very much to the ques- 
tion of immorality. These bishops are not put upon their 
trial as to the observance of technical rules in their adminis- 
tration. Any dereliction in these matters is left to circum- 
stances, to the force of pubhc opinion, and to the power of 
the constitution to rectify any existing evil. The absence 
of all fear as to any mischievous effects resulting from 
freedom, whether possessed by a bishop in the execution 
of his office, or by the private member in the enjoyment of 
his privileges, is very apparent in the whole economy. 

It may be as well to remark, at this point, that the 
bishops are not appointed to their respective provinces, or 
spheres of labour, by the conference. The practice is, for 
the bishops to meet after each General Conference, and 
settle among themselves the several parts of the work to be 
done by each, till the meeting of the next General Confer- 
ence. By this method the same bishop is not confined 
constantly to the same portion of the country ; they change 
as occasion may require, and the state of the Church may 
make expedient. 

Some may be curious to know how these dignitaries of 
the Church fare in the matter of hving, episcopal palaces, 
and all which pertains to the external glory of a bishop. 
This, then, is the matter of fact : " The annual allowance 
of the married travelling, supernumerary, and superannu- 
ated preachers, and the bishops, shall be two hundred dol- 
lars, and their travelling expenses." — "Discipline/' p. 182. 
We find such notices as the following in Bishop Asbury's 
Journal : — " The weather has been unpleasant ; and our 
clothing needed improvement and increase." "The super- 
intendent bishop of the Methodist Church in America being 



286 TOUR IN AMERICA. 



1 



reduced to two dollars, lie Avas obliged to make his wants 
known." This was in 1814, after he had been a bishop 
about twenty years. 

Under this constitution the following bishops have been 
appointed in the American Church ; namely, Dr. Coke, 
Asbury, Whatcoat, M'Kendree, George, Roberts, Soule, 
Hedding, Andrew, Emory, Waugh, Morris, Hamline, Janes ; 
and in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Capers and 
Paine. 

Bishop Whatcoat was an Englishman, and was recom- 
mended for the work by Mr. Wesley. He was evidently a 
man of ardent piety ; a constant and successful preacher ; 
a most amiable man, and a faithful bishop ; and was, 
moreover, greatly beloved by his brethren and the people. 
Bishops Asbury and Whatcoat seem to have been kindred 
spirits, and greatly attached to each other. They travel- 
led much together, and Asbury constantly speaks in the 
most respectful and affectionate terms of his brother What- 
coat. 

Bishop M'Kendree is evidently, after Bishop Asbury, 
about the first man among the dead who ever belonged to 
the Church : angelically devout ; fervent, holy, and affec- 
tionate in his spirit; an ardent, pathetic, and powerful 
preacher; constant, and indefatigable, and self-denying in 
his labours ; and a most upright, judicious, dignified, and 
faithful superintendent of the church. In his early days 
the bishops had to traverse the whole continent ; and we 
find Bishop M'Kendree taking his share in this painful toil. 
Often, in company with his noble-minded leader, we see him 
suffering every kind of privation and inconvenience to win 
souls to Christ, and spread the savour of his Divine Master's 
name. After the death of Bishop Asbury, being the senior, 
he was called to perform very onerous duties in the afi"airs 
of the Church ; and by his goodness, firmness, wisdom, and 
entire devotion to his Master's service, succeeded in rescu- 
ing it from many perils, as well as establishing it in 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 287 

greater stability and order than when he entered upon his 
work. 

Bishop Emory was a different man to either of the above. 
Being educated for the law, his mind became sharpened by 
his studies, so that he possessed great acuteness and logical 
power. He was, however, an eminently good man, a very 
able preacher ; and during the short time of his continuance 
in office, displayed all the essential qualities of a most 
excellent superintendent. He was mysteriously called away 
(being killed by the overthrow of the vehicle in which he 
was travelling) in the prime of life, and the prospect of 
great usefulness. 

As far as appears, the conference has never been moved 
by party feelings in the choice of these important officers. 
No low or paltry motives seem to have entered into their 
views in conferring this responsible trust. They have 
invariably selected fine and excellent men ; the proof of this 
is in the fact, that no charge has ever been substantiated 
against any of them. But this is low praise ; they have 
shown themselves to be men of exalted character. With 
such bishops, there is no danger of episcopacy being sub- 
verted in America. 

This system, moreover, has been, on the whole, extremely 
well received among the people. It may, indeed, be said 
to have been popular ; and the few attempts which have 
been made to subvert the episcopacy, have been utterly 
fruitless. It is clear, that the people affectionately reve- 
rence these men of God ; and not the less, but the more, 
for their being bishops. There is, indeed, nothing in them 
to offend the most simple, the most republican, taste. 
Sacerdotal habiliments were attempted at first, but, meeting 
with opposition, were soon laid aside. It is not likely, in a 
country where the President of the States, the Speakers of 
the Senate and Congress, the judges and comisel of the 
courts, all appear in plain attire, that robes of office would 
be very palatable in the Methodist priesthood. Religion 



288 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

itself is the power of these holy men ; the people know 
their character, and esteem them for their work's sake ; and 
were it not for this, coupled with great and disinterested 
labours, the Methodist episcopacy would imdoubtedly soon 
come to an end. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Subdivisions continued — The Annual Conference — How constituted — Its Func- 
tions — Elects Delegates to the General Conference. 

The Annual Conferences are forty in number, and embrace 
the whole area of the United States. An Annual Confer- 
ence means, among other things, a territorial district, 
defined by the general laws. Each preacher of the body 
in America belongs, ministerially, to one of these Annual 
Conferences, and not to the general Church. In the ordi- 
nary course of things, he consequently moves within the 
limits of this ecclesiastical demarcation ; and if he remove 
to any other conference, he is transferred to the new sphere 
by the proper authorities. 

The conference assembly is composed of all the travel- 
ling preachers of the district in question ; and this meeting 
is presided over by a bishop. The business of this assembly 
consists of the ordinary routine, and it has no legislative 
functions whatever. The usual questions are asked as to 
" What preachers are admitted on trial ? Who remain on 
trial ? Who are admitted into full connexion ? Who are 
the deacons ? Who have been elected and ordained elders 
this year ? Who have been elected, by the suffrages of the 
General Conference, to exercise the episcopal office, and 
superintend the Methodist Episcopal Church in America ? 
Who have located this year ? Who are the supernumera- 
ries ? Who are the superannuated or worn-out preachers 
this year ?" &c. If charges are found against any of the 
preachers, they are put upon their trial at this tribunal, 



PART III.— INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 289 

with the right of appeal against its decisions to the General 
Conference. Monetary matters are adjusted at this meet- 
ing, and accounts received from the circuits and stations. 
The preachers here receive their appointments for the year, 
within the bounds of the conference, and always by the 
authority of the bishop. 

It is evident from all this, that the Annual Conference 
is chiefly an administrative body. It is the meeting of the 
preachers with the bishop, for the transaction of the busi- 
ness of the Church in that particular department. Of course, 
they have enough to do. The conferences often consist of 
one hundred, and sometimes near two hundred, preachers ; 
and to settle the business of their several circuits, and adjust 
what may be out of order, will require much time and 
talent. On the approach of a General Conference, these 
local bodies elect their delegates to attend, the proportion 
being one representative for every twenty-one preachers. 
These Annual Conferences, of necessity, exercise great 
moral influence within their own sphere ; and they possess 
certain constitutional rights, which the General Conference 
cannot annul ; and when these constitutional rights come in 
the way of that body, they cannot move without the con- 
currence of three-fourths of the votes of the preachers 
composing these Annual Conferences. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Subdivisions continued — The General Conference — Dr. Bangs's Account of its 
formation — Its Powers— Fundamental Principles — Reflections. 

The General Conference, as a distinct institution, did not 
come into existence for several years after Methodism had 
assumed great strength. The account given by Dr. Bangs 
will place this subject in its true light, which we now give. 
Under the date of 1792, he says, — 

13 



290 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

" As has been seen in the preceding pages, the general affairs of 
the Church had been conducted heretofore chiefly in the several an- 
nual conferences, which were considered only as so many parts of 
the Avliole body ; for nothing was allowed binding upon all, unless it 
were approved of by each and every of these separate conferences. 
It is true, that the Christmas conference of 1784, at which the Church 
was organized, was considered a General Conference, because all 
the preachers were invited to attend, for the transaction of the im- 
portant business then and there to be submitted to them ; and, there- 
fore, the acts and doings of that conference were considered to be 
binding upon the whole Church. As the work continually increased, 
and spread over such a large and extended territory, it was found 
impracticable for all the preachers to assemble annually in one place, 
without too great a consumption of time and expense ; and hence the 
practice which had been adopted of appomting several conferences 
in the same year in different parts of the country, for the convenience 
of both the bishop and the preachers : but as one of these conferences 
could not make laws for all the rest, nor yet all the rest for that one 
without its consent ; and as it was not likely that so many indepen- 
dent bodies could be brought to harmonize in all things pertaining 
to the welfare of the Church ; there was danger from this state of 
things, of a dissolution of the body, and the establishment of a num- 
ber of separate and distinct communities, acting independently of 
each other. 

" To prevent evils of this character, and to create a centre of union 
to the entire body, the council had been instituted ; but this unpopu- 
lar measure, not answering the end of its organization, was, by gene- 
ral consent, dissolved, and a General Conference called in its place. 
This was, it seems, agreed upon by the several annual conferences 
which had been held this year. 

'• This conference assembled in the city of Baltimore, on the first 
day of November, 1792, and was composed of all the travelling 
preachers who had been received into full connexion. As this was 
considered the first regular General Conference, and as those who 
composed it came together under an expectation that very impor- 
tant matters would be transacted, it seems proper to give a particular 
account of their acts and doings. Dr. Coke had returned from 
Europe, and presided, conjointly with Bishop Asbury, over their 
deliberations. 

" As there were no restrictions upon the powers of this conference, 
the entire discipline of the Church came up for review and revision ; 
but to prevent, as far as possible, any improper innovation upon ex- 
isting rules, or the premature adoption of new regulations, they 



PART 111. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 291 

agi'eed that ' it shall take two-thirds of all the members of the con- 
ference to make any new rule, or abolish an old one ; but a majority 
may alter or amend any rule.' 

" They soon had an opportunity to try the strength of this rule in 
preserving them from an innovation upon established usage, in respect 
to the power of stationing the preachers." — Bangs's '■''History ofMeiho- 
dism," vol. i, pp. 342-344. 

"Another General Conference was held in 1796, and at this con- 
ference the discretionary power of the bishops to assemble as many 
annual conferences as they pleased was taken away, and the number 
limited to six. 

"In 1806, Bishop Asbury submitted a proposition to all the an- 
nual conferences, in which he proposed, for the first time, the estab- 
lishment of a delegated Genei'al Conference. As it was deemed 
pi-oper to secure perfect unanimity on so grave a question, this was 
defeated by Jesse Lee, who induced the Virginia Conference to ob- 
ject." — Bangs's '•'■ History of Methodism,''' vol. ii, p. 177. 

" In 1808, this question was brought to a decision in favour of the 
measure, by the adoption, on the part of the General Conference, of 
the following recommendation of a committee appointed to consider 
the subject : — 

" ' Whereas it is of the greatest importance that the doctrine, form 
of government, and general rules of the united societies in America 
be presened sacred and inviolate ; and whereas every prudent mea- 
sure should be taken to preserve, strengthen, and perpetuate the 
union of the connexion : 

" ' Therefore, your committee, upon mature deliberation, have 
thought it advisable, that tlie third section of the form of discipline 
shall be as follows' — adopting the principle." — Bangs's " History cf 
Methodism,'' vol. ii, p. 229. 

It only remains to give the constitution of this supreme 
assembly of the American Episcopal Church : — 

" 1. The General Conference shall be composed of one member for 
every twenty-one members of each annual conference, to be appointed 
either by seniority or choice, at the discretion of such annual con- 
ference ; yet, so that such representatives shall have travelled at least 
four full calendai- years from the time that they were received on 
trial by an annual conference, and are in full connexion at the time 
of holding the conference. 

" 2. The General Conference shall meet on the first day of May, 
in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city of New- York, and thence- 
fonvard on the first day of May, once in four years peiiietually, va, 



292 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

such place or places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference 
from time to time ; but the general superintendents, with or by the 
advice of all the Annual Conferences, or, if there be no genei'al super- 
intendent, all the Annual Conferences respectively shall have power 
to call a General Conference, if they judge it necessary at any time. 

" 3. At all times when the General Conference is met, it shall take 
two-thirds of the representatives of all the Annual Conferences to 
make a quorum for transacting business. 

" 4. One of the general superintendents shall preside in the Gene- 
ral Conference ; but in case no general superintendent be present, 
the General Conference shall choose a president, ^ro tern. 

" 5. The General Conference shall have full powers to make rules 
and regulations for our Church, under the following limitations and 
restrictions, viz : — 

"(1.) The General Conference shall not revoke, alter, or change 
our Ai'ticles of Religion, nor establish any new standard or rules of 
doctrine contrary to our present existing and established standards 
of doctrine. 

"(2.) They shall not allow of more than one representative for 
every fourteen members of the Annual Conference, nor allow of a less 
number than one for every thirty : provided, nevertheless, that when 
there shall be in any Annual Conference a fraction of two-thirds the 
mimber which shall be fixed for the ratio of representation, such An- 
nual Conference shall be entitled to an additional delegate for such 
fraction ; and provided, also, that no Conference shall be denied the 
privilege of two delegates. 

" (3.) They shall not change or alter any part or rule of om* gov- 
ernment, so as to do away episcopacy, or destroy the plan of our 
itinerant general superintendency. 

" (4.) They shall not revoke or change the general itiles of the 
United Societies. 

" (5.) They shall not do away the privileges of our ministers or 
preachers, of trial by a committee, and of an appeal : neither shall 
they do away the privileges of our members, of trial before the soci- 
ety, or by a committee, and of an appeal. 

" (6.) They shall not appropriate the produce of the Book-Concern, 
nor of the Charter Fund, to any purj^ose other than for the benefit of 
the travelling, supernumeraiy, superannuated, and worn-out preach- 
ers, then- wives, widows, and children. Provided, nevertheless, that 
upon the concun-eut recommendation of three-fourths of all the mem- 
bers of the several Annual Conferences, who shall be present and 
vote on such recommendation, then a majority of two-thirds of the 
General Conference succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the above 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 293 

restrictions, excepting the first article ; and also, whenever such alte- 
ration or alterations shall have been first recommended by two-thirds 
of the General Conference, so soon as three-fourths of the members 
of all the Annual Conferences shall have concurred as aforesaid, such 
alteration or alterations shall take effect." — " Discipline,^'' pp. 21-24. 

Here, then, we have the Magna Charta of Methodism 
in the States. This document indicates the good sense and 
the diligent forethought of those who framed it. We see 
from it, that the American Methodists are no revolutionists, 
and that they desire to escape such a catastrophe. The 
legislative power is not at liberty to alter anything deemed 
fundamental. This limits the functions of the assembled 
ministers within what may be considered a settled and fully 
recognized constitution. This constitution supposes various 
points as already settled, to which all agree, and which are 
not to be disturbed. 

The doctrines of the Church are among these fundamental 
principles. Here innovation generally begins, when churches 
decline. The loss of vital religion always causes the truths 
of the evangelical system to become tasteless. Or, perhaps, 
rather, these truths being found antagonistic to a bad life, 
or a state of spiritual sloth, they are hated on account of 
the irritation and condemnation which they inflict. But, 
more than this, when religion is itself given up, in its expe- 
rience and holiness, these doctrines are not wanted ; no one 
needs the spirit-stirring instructions of the gospel to teach 
him to go to sleep, to live in sin. Besides this tendency, 
there is always found another, namely, that of adventurous 
speculation. One age is never satisfied with the past. 
While praising the great men of former times, yet still we 
generally think we can improve on their intellectual labours, 
and do something better for ourselves than they could do 
for us. The " go-ahead " principle, so rife in America, in 
political and social matters, is not absent from the genius 
of its theologians. They seem to be much tempted to drive 
criticism to something beyond its legitimate province, and 



294 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

to push their inquiries into the spiritual world beyond what 
is revealed. The age and the circumstances of the country 
favour this sort of adventurous spirit. It must consequently 
be considered a wise arrangement, that the great truths 
of the evangelical system, embodied in their Articles of Reli- 
gion, are not to be altered, — are not, indeed, to be discussed. 

Another fundamental point is the episcopacy. This, as 
we see, is not left an open question. The Church, through 
all time to come, is to be the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
This enactment, it must be recollected, was adopted after 
this form of church government had been upon its trial for 
several years. It had, consequently, been tested as to its 
working, in respect to the general ministry, the conserva- 
tion of order, and the progress of religion ; and in all these 
particulars had approved itself to general acceptance. It 
must be remembered also, that the men who sanctioned 
this principle as final, were the ministers themselves, — the 
parties most interested in the question ; and their approval 
is to be taken as complete evidence that, in their judgment, 
the episcopacy was considered both Scriptural and profita- 
ble. The overthrow of episcopacy would, consequently, 
perfectly revolutionize the Church. 

The " General Rules" of the society are equally held as 
sacred. These are not to be touched by the legislative 
body. This is important, and promises to be one means of 
perpetuating true religion for ages to come. 

The right of a " fair trial" of the preacher by his peers 
— which means, that liberty and an impartial treatment 
shall be secured — is equally inviolate. This point is not to 
be discussed or altered. 

Other subjects, which relate to property, are not deemed 
so sacred. But though left open to revision, this is to be 
effected in the most cautious manner, and numerous safe- 
guards are placed around the law. These are very import- 
ant provisions, and promise to check any rash tendency to 
innovation, which may from time to time arise. 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 295 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Subdivisions continued — The Author's presence at the Pittsburgli General 
Conference — Impressions — The Bishops — The Ministers — Mode of Debate — 
Decorum and Order — Questions at Issue — Mode of conducting Appeal Cases 
— Reflections. 

In Pittsburgh, in the year 1848, it was the author's good 
fortune to be present at one of these General Conferences. 
It was an era in the history of Methodism in the United 
States. The great division of the Church between the 
North and the South had taken place four years before, 
and this had not produced satisfaction and peace. Strong 
feelings and passions prevailed ; the minds of the ministers 
were much agitated ; and business of great importance had 
to engage their attention. In this state of things, it might 
be expected that the assembly could not preserve its usual 
order and decorum ; that strong feelings would excite cor- 
responding language ; and that, consequently, some disor- 
der would ensue. Nothing of this kind, however, disturbed 
the proceedings for a moment. 

As a matter of course, the attention of a stranger would 
be first directed to the hig^hest officers of the Church — the 
Bishops. They were all present, five in number — Hedding, 
Morris, Waugh, Hamline, and Janes. The three first named 
are men in years, especially Bishop Hedding ; the other 
two are in the prime of life. They preside in turn, begin- 
ning with the senior, whose business it is to open the Con- 
ference. This is usually done by reading a written docu- 
ment of considerable length, entering upon the general 
state, prospects, and duties of the Church — somewhat 
after the manner of the Message of the President of the 
United States. 

These grave and dignified officers constitute what might 
be fitly called " the Bench of Bishops," only they happen 
to sit in chairs. They are seated by themselves, facing, of 



296 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

course, the assembly, on a platform, elevated, it may be, 
two feet above the common level of the floor. None share 
with them the distinction of this position. The secretary 
and his assistants are placed at a table on the floor of the 
house ; and no other officers, of any sort, or for any pur- 
pose, are tolerated in the assembly. 

The spirit and demeanour of the Bishops could not but 
excite attention. " How do they conduct themselves in 
their high office ?" was a natural question. It was soon 
answered. The bearing of these men of God was perfectly 
uniform ; there was no deviation. It is difiicult to describe 
it ; just as what is pre-eminently beautiful, excellent, and 
morally sublime, refuses to submit to the touch of the most 
perfect artist. It is not enough to say, that it was digni- 
fied, grave, judicious, impartial, commanding. It was all 
this ; but all this with much more combined. There is 
always in mental and religious excellence an intangible, an 
impalpable power, glory, of the soul, which cannot be de- 
scribed. It is this inward and spiritual force which gives 
to the several faculties their strength and elevation ; and 
when these faculties are so balanced as to receive the hid- 
den impulse equably, and transmit it to practical and useful 
purposes, then greatness is produced. This was manifest 
in these eminent officers : and it was never the writer's 
good fortune to behold a class of men who gave him 
such an ideal of what bishops ought to be, as in these 
American knlafconoL. 

It is not customary for the bishops to take part in the 
debates, or in any way to interfere with the proceedings of 
Conference, except on questions of law and order. Two or 
three occasions arose in connexion with points of law, when 
one of the bishops expounded its meaning with great clear- 
ness and logical precision. The bishops seem to be perfect 
masters of all constitutional questions, and also of the com- 
plicated details of business. When they had occasion to 
interpret any matter of order, being appealed to for that 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M.E. CHURCH. 297 

purpose, all parties invariably acquiesced ; not an objection 
was ever raised, or any infringement attempted. Some 
persons may imagine tliat all this must reduce these officers 
to mere ciphers. JN'ot so. They possess great influence, 
and are treated with undeviating reverence and respect. 
Their moderation, in fact, is their power. By not attempt- 
ing to do too much, they possess the means of doing every- 
thing which their station requires from them. 

The great body of ministers appeared to be, on the 
whole, very able and good men. There was clearly an en- 
tire absence of party, and party spirit, and, consequently, 
of party leaders. No man appeared in this latter charac- 
ter. There is nothing answering, as far as could be seen, 
to Tory and Whig, in their church politics. No number 
of men were seen acting together as the type of any parti- 
cular class of opinions. They seemed alike desirous of pro- 
moting the common cause ; and persons who had given 
their votes together on one question, would give them 
against each other on the next. This absence of party 
spirit not only gave the appearance, but the reality, of per- 
fect independence. No man is bound to the opinions or 
the interests of another ; and, right or wrong in his judg- 
ment, certainly every one acts for himself, and gives a sin- 
cere and conscientious vote. There is no embarrassment in 
consequence of this state of things. No preacher ever 
thinks of impugning another's character as something ana- 
logous to radical, because he gives his suffrages in a parti- 
cular way. He speaks, votes, stands up, in perfect fearless- 
ness as to the consequences of the side he takes. There 
is no low Methodism and high Methodism, no ins and outs, 
no govermyient and its partisans to keep in office, or to re- 
move. Methodism is one ; and every person seems intent 
on giving it his best support. 

The debates of the Conference, to an Enghshman, are 
somewhat strange till the matter is understood. The fact 
of the existence of a constitution, designated " The Disci- 

13* 



298 TOUR IN AMERICA, 

pline," is always present in the mind of the speaker. A 
subject is scarcely ever discussed on its merits, but always 
in reference to this constitution. Every question falls under 
some law and rule ; and this is invariably the starting-point 
with the speaker. How the matter squares with the law, 
and how it may be disposed of constitutionally, are the 
subjects argued. This, of necessity, produces some amount 
of stiffness in the style of speaking, and the logical faculty 
is much more in requisition than that of impassioned ora- 
tory. These men certainly excel in the use of sound, sober, 
clear reasoning. This habit produces great self-possession. 
The calmness of the preachers in their debates is truly 
astonishing. Nothing hurried, perturbed, indistinct, or 
confused, ever appears — not even in the youngest. This is 
a remarkable characteristic of American debate, and is pos- 
sessed in an eminent degree by these ministers. Self-com- 
mand seems to produce distinctness of enunciation, so that 
every one is enabled to say what is in his mind to utter. 
These debates were invariably conducted, on the part of the 
speakers, in the spirit and manner of men having the most 
perfect respect for the understanding and capacity of their 
auditory. No clap -trap finesse, or attempt k) play upon 
the passions or fancy of others, ever appeared. This, con- 
sidering that these debates take place in the presence of 
the public and the public press, is rather singular. But 
certainly no speech, while I remained, was delivered in 
reference to popular taste or prejudices, and the people 
were never mentioned with the idea of invoking: their suf- 
frages ; indeed, for aught which appeared in the proceed- 
ings, they might not have been present at all. 

The rules of debate and good order are admirably pre- 
served. There was not, in my presence, an instance of the 
least confusion. No man ever interrupted another, except 
very occasionally, on a point of order, and the interposing 
party invariably did it in the most courteous manner ; the 
appeal was always to the chair, no third party ever inter- 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 299 

fering ; and, when the chair had decided, no one ever dis- 
puting the award. In listening to these ministers of reli- 
gion for a fortnight, truth obliges me to say, that I never 
heard an angry tone, an uncourteous word, the employment 
of a single sarcasm, the use of any kind of personality, any, 
the least attempt, to throw odium upon an opponent, or 
refer to the opinions of others otherwise than with the 
most perfect respect. If good breeding constitutes a Chris- 
tian gentleman, then most certainly this assembly of minis- 
ters may be pronounced most emphatically as Christian 
gentlemen. 

We have said that the Conference did not indicate that 
they were divided into parties, or placed themselves under 
leaders. This is not intended to insinuate that they have 
no leading men. That is impossible. The master-spirits 
in any assembly are soon perceived. They could not be 
mistaken in the American Conference. It required no long 
time to find out who possessed the mastery of mind. This, 
however, in every case was borne with great modesty. No 
intellectual pup'py appeared on the stage. I was surprised 
at this, because I understood that great numbers of young 
men attended these Conferences, and that, moreover, these 
scions of exuberant life often delivered themselves with 
sufficient confidence. It was said at the Pittsburgh Con- 
ference, that an unusual number of young men were present. 
There must be some mistake in this. Because the old men 
who used to take part in public assemblies are absent, 
some in the grave, and others from debility, it is often taken 
for granted that those who take their place must be young 
men. Ah, how easy it is to lose sight of the progress of 
time ! At this Conference there was present certainly a 
considerable number of old men; hardly one belonging to 
the delegates could be properly considered as young, whilst 
the greater number were men in or above middle life. 
Many of these are the princes of the people. It would be 
easy to mention their names ; there is a temptation to it ; 



300 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

nothing could give greater pleasure; but delicacy for- 
bids. 

The great subjects of debate at this Conference related 
to the division of the Church into the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This 
division had taken place four years before ; but various 
points still remained unsettled. These divided themselves 
into the constitutional question, as to whether the Confer- 
ence possessed the power to make such a division at all ; — 
the boundary-line which had been agreed upon ; — the divi- 
sion of the property of the Book- Concern ; — and the fra- 
ternal recognition of the delegate who had been sent from 
the Southern Church. 

As the gentleman sent by the South was present, this 
latter question came on first for settlement. After con- 
siderable debate, it was unanimously agreed that, till the 
matters in dispute were finally arranged, he could not be 
received. The persons who took part in the debate were 
very firm and decided, but perfectly calm and courteous in 
their language. And though, for the present, the Confer- 
ence could not fraternize with their brethren in the south. 
Dr. Pierce, their representative, was invited to take a seat, 
as a private gentleman, with them. This he did not deem 
it right to do ; and when he appeared in Conference at all, 
he took his place among the strangers. 

The boundary question, after being sent to a committee, 
was disposed of by abolishing the settlement altogether ; 
so that each party is at liberty to make reprisals upon the 
other, and extend their operations as best they can. This 
must lead to painful collisions. The ministers upon the 
borders will be brought into perplexing and miserable dis- 
putes with each other ; it is to be feared, to the great in- 
jury of true religion and Christian charity. Both parties 
seem determined to exert their utmost strength, and are 
confident of the ultimate triumph of their principles. 

The Book-Concern dispute was settled, so far as the ac- 



PART III.— INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 301 

tion of the Conference was concerned, by referring the mat- 
ter to — I think — four gentlemen, not of the Methodist 
communion, whose arbitration was to be final.* 

But the constitutional point which had been raised could 
not be decided.f How was it possible that the supreme 
legislative body could agree that a former act of the same 
body was unconstitutional? The difficulty, however, gave 
rise to a proposition, on the part of Bishop Hedding, as the 
organ of his colleagues, to appoint a body of men whose 
office should be to determine on the constitutional nature 
of the enactments of the legislature, (that is, the Confer- 
ence,) with a power to arrest the progress of any such 
enactments. I confess I was greatly surprised at this pro- 
posal for the moment ; till, recollecting that a similar prin- 
ciple prevailed in the civil constitution of the United States, 
the astonishment ended. This power in the civil state be- 
longs to the judges of the Supreme Court. The idea seems 
to ground itself on the sovereignty of the people. The 
people, universally considered, are supposed, in convention, 
to have framed and assented to the constitution by which 
they are governed ; that the legislative bodies are not om- 
nipotent, but subordinate to the sovereign power, this 
power being the people ; and that they have not, and can- 
not have, the right to infringe on the principles and provi- 
sions of this constitutional system so agreed upon by the 
sovereign power. But, to secure this provision inviolate, it 
was found necessary to deposit a power of judging of the 
acts of the legislature somewhere ; and it was determined 



[* By a provision for arbitration, should it be fovmd practicable and legal ; if 
not, the question of arbitration was ordered to be referred to the Annual Con- 
ferences.] 

[t It was decided that, in view of the fact that one of the provisions of the 
Plan of 1844 had been made dependent upon the concurrence of three-fourths 
of the members of the several Annual Conferences, and had failed to obtain 
that concurrence ; and in view of the fact, also, that the boundary provisions, 
which formed a condition of the resolutions adopted, had been violated by the 
Church, South ; that the General Conference was not bound to observe the 
provisions of said Plan ; and it was, therefore, declared null and void.] 



302 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

to give it to the highest judicial functionaries in the 
land ; that is, to the Supreme Court, answering, in some 
sense, to our Court of Chancery. This power not only ex- 
ists, but has, on some occasions, been exercised; and acts 
of the American Parliament have been arrested by this 
authority. 

In like manner, constitutional difficulties having sprung 
up in connexion with the division of the Church, and the 
legality of the enactment by which it was effected being 
disputed, the bishops foimd themselves in a dilemma, and, 
to prevent future perplexities of the same sort, they pro- 
posed the above-mentioned court. The subject had not 
come on for decision when I left, and I believe the pro- 
position fell to the ground ; probably for the want of a 
suitable body to whom to refer questions of such grave 
importance. 

The General Conference is a court of appeal, as well as 
a legislative body ; and, of course, numerous appeals come 
up for adjudication every four years. The practice is, that 
the appellant, either in his own person, or by the employ- 
ment of one of the preachers as his counsel, shall have the 
privilege of an impartial hearing and settlement of his 
cause. I witnessed two of these appellant causes, conduct- 
ed, in one case, by the appellant in person, and in the other 
by one of the ministers. 

In order clearly to understand this, it is necessary to give 

the rule on the subject. 

" In all the above-mentioned cases, it shall be the duty of the se" 
cretary of the Annual Conference to keep regular minutes of the trial, 
including all the questions pi'oposed to the witnesses, and their an- 
swers, together Avith the crime with which the accused is charged, 
the specification or specifications, and also preserve all the docu- 
ments relating to the case ; which minutes and documents only, in 
case of an appeal from the decision of an Annual Conference, shall 
be presented to the General Conference, in evidence on the case. 
And in all cases, when an appeal is made, and admitted by the Ge- 
neral Conference, the appellant shall either state personally or by 
his representative (who shall be a member of the Conference) the 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 303 

groimds of liis appeal, showing cause Avhy he appeals, and he shall 
be allowed to make his defence without interraption. After which 
the representatives of the Annual Conference, from whose decision 
the appeal is made, shall be permitted to respond in presence of the 
appellant, who shall have the privilege of replying to such represen- 
tatives, which shall close the pleadings on both sides." — '■'■ JDisci- 
pline,^^ pp. 73, 74. 

The first case to be mentioned is that of an unhappy 
wiffht, not accused of immorality, but of embroilino- the 
people, and throwing the Church into a state of perfect 
confusion. This had taken place again and again ; and at 
length it was found necessary to arrest the evil, and put 
the culprit upon his trial. He had been found guilty, and 
sentenced to suspension. This case came on by appeal, 
and the appellant appeared in person. He had been, 
among other things, a great mesmerist, and something else 
which I did not understand, connected with the same sci- 
ence. It w^as my fortune to listen to this odd subject for 
half a day ; that is, during the morning sitting. He con- 
ducted his defence with great ability, of its kind. We had 
from him a profusion of wit, raillery, sarcasm ; he dealt 
heavy blows against his judges ; but all with that sort of 
sanff froid which indicates the absence of malice. It was 
evident enough, from his defence, that he could not live 
without throwing around himself the smoke and fire of all 
manner of confusion and mischief. But, with this tendency, 
he was not devoid of great acuteness and powers of 
reason. 

The Annual Conference to which this scapegrace be- 
longed, had sent his case to a committee, and on their 
report had formed their decision. It will be seen by the 
law% that the secretary of the Annual Conference is required 
to preserve "' the questions and answers." The secretary, 
in this case, was not a member of the committee ; and in 
his absence they had appointed one from their ow^n number. 
The documents were perfectly regular, and had been de- 
posited with the secretary, but had not been taken down 



304 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

by that officer of the Annual Conference. With great tact, 
the appellant pleaded this in bar of the decision against 
him. But he did not rest his cause on technical questions. 
He went through the whole case, lampooning everybody 
who came in his way ; and berating the parties among 
the people with whom he had quarrelled in a most un- 
merciful manner. All this was done, it must be recollect- 
ed, in the presence of the public, and the public press. 
Had it taken place in this kingdom, it would have thrown 
the whole Church into confusion from one end of the coun- 
try to the other. Such, however, is the difference of man- 
ners in the two communities, that nobody seemed to care 
anything about it. 

But, during all this outpouring of invective, no human 
creature ever interrupted this man. And he was not only 
unassailed, but not the least confusion or disorder took 
place. The Annual Conference delegated their defence to 
one of their members, who very ably replied. The contrast 
was great. The harshest thing he said — what everybody 
could easily perceive — was, that brother so and so possessed 
" all manner of sense but common sense." The argument 
of the appellant on the law question was submitted to the 
decision of the bishops. They, like impartial judges, gave 
the prisoner the benefit of a doubt, and pronounced that 
the omission of the secretary's copy, according to rule, was 
fatal to the trial ; and that the case must go back to the 
Annual Conference. 

The other case was not conducted by the appellant in 
person, but by Dr. Holdich. The form of the argument, 
the appeals to law, the technical objections raised, the 
eloquence and zeal evinced, might have led a spectator to 
suppose himself listening to an appeal case before the 
Privy Council, or in the House of Lords. The whole 
subject was managed with an ability, regularity, and order, 
both on the part of the counsel and the court, which would 
have done credit to any tribunal of justice in the world. 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 305 

These cases impressed me with the idea, that the personal 
rights and privileges of the Methodist preachers, in the 
American body, were held as very sacred things. 

One other matter remains — the privilege of petition. 
Numerous petitions were presented on various subjects, and 
great numbers were read at length. The most numerous 
class related to the division of the Church. Many societies 
on the borders of the division, which held anti-slavery 
views, had, by the arrangement, been placed on the South 
side of the line of demarcation, and handed over to the 
pro-slavery church. These parties felt greatly aggrieved. 
They remonstrated not only in energetic terms against the 
impropriety of being incorporated with the South, but they 
argued the question in all its breadth ; and some of them 
with great force and ability. These, and all other petitions 
of the people, were received with great deference, and 
many of them read in full, and sent for investigation to their 
appropriate committees. 

One word on these committees. They are appointed on 
the opening of the Conference, and embrace all the subjects 
which can come before the attention of that body. They 
sit concurrently, during the whole period of the session, 
and usually meet in the afternoon of each day. We had 
Committees on the Episcopacy — on the State of the Church 
— on the Itinerancy — on the Missions — on the Sunday- 
Schools — on the Temperance question — on the Boundary 
subject — on the Book- Concern, &c. ; so that, instead of ap- 
pointing a committee to consider separate matters of inter- 
est, everything needing the examination of such a body was 
sent to one of these standing committees. 

Such, in substance, was the Pittsburgh Conference. 
There was much to admire in the parties present, merely 
considered as men. They exhibited, with religion, the real 
American character. Individualism is one of its obvious 
characteristics. But this is not selfish, egotistic, or flippant 
and vain. It is rather the exhibition of the freedom of the 



306 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

soul, connected with calm judgment and conscious strength. 
Deliberation in the movements of the mind, in speech, in 
coming to a decision, is an evident feature of American 
character. Nobody seems to be in a hurry, to indulge in 
fidgety feelings, impassioned exclamations, or haste, either 
in mind or body. This affects the character of their oratory. 
There is infinitely less of the impassioned, the figurative, 
the ornate, than among us ; but much more of the force of 
reason, of natural logic, I was surprised at this, after 
hearing so much of American violence and passion ; and 
also considering the exciting atmosphere in which some of 
them five. There appears, indeed, some difference betwixt 
the northern and southern men ; but the latter were less 
fiery than might be expected. 

In its aggregate character, the Conference may be con- 
sidered as near what is desirable as it seems possible to 
carry the order of a large deliberative assembly. All things 
combined to produce this effect. The dignified impartiality 
of the presiding bishops on the one hand, and the willing 
deference paid to them on the other ; the establishment of 
exact and well-digested rules of debate, not only in written 
codes, but as carried out in practice, and the scrupulous 
regard paid to them by all parties; the avoidance of all irri- 
tating modes of address in reference to each other, toge- 
ther with perfect courtesy in language and bearing constantly 
manifested ; the absence of all party strife, and the appa- 
rently simple purpose of every one to bring his best facul- 
ties to support the common cause of Christ ; the religious 
spirit blending, like heavenly unction and influence, with all 
things, and impressing them with purity and piety ; — in 
fine, the fear of God, and the love of each other, all 
tended to present a picture such as the mind loves to 
dwell upon, and desires to see prevail everywhere. Were 
there, then, no blots and drawbacks? no dark shades? 
I only report what I saw, and the impressions left on 
my own mind. Illusions are common, sometimes plea* 



PART III. — INSTITUTIONS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 307 

sant ; but what one sees with one's eyes, can hardly be an 
illusion. 

This, then, is the Church of John Wesley. He did not 
consider Methodism in England, in his days, as a Church, 
but as Christian societies. He felt himself free to act in 
respect to America ; and we have a right to infer, that had 
he entertained any other notion of what a real Christian 
Church ought to be, he would have attempted its estab- 
lishment. He gave them the platform of their present 
episcopacy ; and, consequently, this was his " ideal of a 
Church." He, indeed, refused to call his superintendents 
bishops ; but that is of no consequence ; he gave the 
order and the office, and the name followed as a matter 
of course. 

No doubt this agreed with his most cherished and ma- 
ture opinions. At the period he estabhshed this order of 
things, he could hnve little temptation to falsify his own 
convictions by doing a thing repugnant to his judgment. 
He was nearly at the end of his eventful journey ; the 
opinions of men could be of little consequence to him, and 
he heeded them as little ; he expected constantly to be 
called to give his account, and yield up his spirit to God ; — 
in this state it is impossible to conceive that he would per- 
petuate a practical falsehood, and finish his life by estab- 
lishing a system which he did not fully believe to be ac- 
cordant with the truth of God and the good of man. But, 
besides, these convictions were the mature judgment of a 
minister of religion who possessed all the means of study- 
ing the whole question, of acquainting himself with the 
voice of antiquity, of observing the operation of all reli- 
gious systems, almost in every part of the world ; and the 
conclusion, we find, was, the establishment of the episcopal 
order. 

The progress of the American Church is only the devel- 
opment of this idea. History must judge whether the an- 
ticipations of Mr. Wesley have been realized. Time has 



308 TOUR IN AMERICA. 

now been given for this. The trial has been made, and 
made on a most magnificent scale. Has this trial failed, or 
has it succeeded ? Facts must answer this question. And, 
in order to meet this important query as fairly and fully as 
possible, we now go to the consideration of our next point 
— the territorial progress of the American Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 309 



PART IV. 

TERRITOEIAL PROGRESS OF THE AMERICAN ME- 
THODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

It is desired, in attempting to give some account of the 
territorial progress of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
the United States, to notice such educational and other 
institutions as are found existinor in the several localities 
hoping by this to attain to a pretty accurate notion of the 
practical operations of the entire system. And, moreover, 
as the different States and churches have each something 
characteristic and peculiar, it is intended to notice, briefly, 
these circumstances, by way of enlivening the narrative of 
details, These details, in themselves, are necessarily dry, 
as statistics must be ; but we have always something inter- 
esting, where living men are found, to give vivacity to sub- 
jects in themselves tedious and barren. 

It is hardly necessary to say, that the investigation has 
been found beset with difficulties. It has, indeed, cost 
much trouble and research ; and even, after all, exactness 
and perfect accuracy cannot be claimed for these state- 
ments. All that can be hoped — all which is possible un- 
der the circumstances — is, to give a general outline of a 
great work. It would require an American, with much 
leisure, great experience, and a command of documents, to 
do justice to such a subject. And it is a subject well 
Avorthy of the attention of some master-mind in the United 
States. 

The authorities possessed have been consulted with 
much attention ; and the whole ground has been carefully 
examined and gone over, so far as these guides could lead 
the way. By the kindness of my friends in the States, I 
have been put into possession of most valuable historical 



310 TOUR IX AMERICA. — PART IV. 

documents ; and with more time and leisure, a much better 
digest and analysis would have been possible. 

To secure order and precision, as well as to render our 
surve}^ intelligible, it is proposed to take certain lines of 
country separately, making the Annual Conferences the 
basis of our statistical calculations. By this it is hoped, 
that something clear and tangible may be kept before the 
mind of the reader ; whereas, if we allowed ourselves to 
wander at large on a space so great as the American con- 
tinent, we must soon find ourselves lost in a perfect laby- 
rinth. 

Adopting this principle, we propose to examine the state 
of Methodism. 1. On the Atlantic seaboard. 2. By the 
line of the Hudson and the Lakes. 3. Along the Ohio and 
the adjoining country. 4. The Mississippi. 

I— THE ATLANTIC CONFERENCES. 

It seems natural that we should begin our survey w^here 
population had its commencement. The Atlantic States em- 
brace a line of seacoast extending eighteen hundred miles 
from north to south, and stretch into the interior for a dis- 
tance constantly varying, but in some places amounting to 
between three and four hundred miles. These States are 
filled with great cities ; possess the most magnificent bays 
and harbours in the world ; a considerable amount of manu- 
facturing industry, in various branches ; a great and flour- 
ishing commerce, and the country parts are occupied by 
beautiful \'illages and a prosperous agriculture. The people 
of these States, being the descendants of the original set- 
tlers, constitutx' the ^lite classes of society ; and the living 
mind of these people has always predominated. 

I. We begin our survey at the northern point of the 
Atlantic line — the Maine Conference. In connexion with 
this dixision we find six districts, namely, Portland, Gardiner, 
Readjield, Bangor, T/iotnaston, and Bucksport. One hun- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 311 

dred and sixty-four circuits and stations ; one hundred and 
sixty-one ministers, with one hundred and sixty-seven local 
preachers ; and twenty thousand two hundred and eighty- 
one church-members. 

Methodism was introduced into Maine in 1793, by the 
indefatigable J.esse Lee. 

"A few weeks after tlie adjournment of Conference, he entered 
upon what, in those days, was a journey of considerable magnitude. 
Leaving Lynn, he passed through Newburyport into New-Hamp- 
shire, Greenhmd, and Portsmouth, preacliing as he went, and thence, 
on the 1 6th of Sej)tember, entei'ed Maine, and, at a little village called 
Saco, on the same night preached in a private house, crowded with 
attentive hearers, on Acts xiii. 41. As the most of his time, until the 
Conference of 1794, was employed in the formation of a circuit in 
Maine, we may very properly give a brief naiTative of his labours, 
abridged from his History of the Methodists. From Saco, he went 
to Castine, at the mouth of the Penobscot Eiver ; thence along the 
river to the upper settlements near Old Town, and returned by the way 
of Twenty-Five Mile Sand to Kennebeck Eiver ; thence up to Sandy 
River, and back to Hallowell, and through to Portland. ' Although 
I was a perfect stranger, and had to make my own^. appointments, I 
preached almost every day, and had crowded assemblies to hear. 
After viewing the country, I thought the most proper place to form 
a circuit would be on the west side of the Kennebeck.' Here the first 
cii'cuit in Maine was formed, and it is known in the Minutes of the 
period as Rcadfield. It was nearly two hundred miles beyond the 
circuits already formed in New-England. It extended from Hallow- 
ell to Sandy River. It was not long after the formation of this cir- 
cuit, and the establishment of regular preaching, before God merci- 
fully vouchsafed his blessing to those who went forth sowing precious 
seed. Sinners were converted, and sought church-fellowship with 
those from whom they had received the ' good word of God.' Socie- 
ties were soon formed, churches were erected, and Methodism started 
out upon a wider career of usefulness, with stirring zeal and vigorous 
hope." — Dr. Lee's "Xi/e and Times of the Rev. Jesse Lee^ 

The progress made from the above date will be seen to 
be very great, if the whole case is considered. It must be 
kept in mind, that the church -members mentioned are 
persons meeting in class, communicants ; and do not include 
the congregations attending the ministry of the word who 



312 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

are not members, nor the children of either of these classes. 
Judging- from the common rules of proportion betwixt 
communicants and hearers in both countries, it seems pro- 
bable, that the number of persons and famihes which are 
found under the ministry and influence of the Methodist 
Church in this region, will amount to four or five times the 
numbers enumerated above. On this principle, which, it must 
be admitted, is a perfectly sound one, the souls under the 
reliarious care of the Maine Conference will amount to some- 
thing like one hundred thousand. 

II. Adjoining Maine we find the State of New-Hamp- 
shire ; and the Methodist Church has established one of 
its local centres in this place, bearing the name of the State. 
The New-Hampshire Conference, like the territory itself, 
does not appear to be large, compared with many of the 
other conferences ; and yet it is evident, from the extent 
and numbers of the Church, that successes much the same 
as in other places have crowned the efforts of the servants 
of God. 

We have three districts ; namely, Dover, Concord, and 
Haverhill. Seventy-seven circuits and stations ; eighty-two 
ministers, with sixty-four local preachers ; and ten thousand 
three hundred and eighty-four church-members. 

We have the following extra appointments : — Osmon 
C. Baker, Professor in the Biblical Institute; Richard S. 
Rust, Principal of the New-Hampshire Conference Semi- 
nary ; William D. Cass, Agent for the New-Hampshhe 
Conference. 

The work in New-Hampshire began about 1*794; the 
pioneer evangelist being Mr. Hill, who seems to have had 
little success in the beginning. But the mission soon fell 
under the care of Mr. Lee, he being appointed presiding 
elder for several districts of country, of which this was one; 
and progress was soon manifested. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 313 

III. Descending the coast-line from this northern point, 
we arrive at the state of Massachusetts ; and here we find a 
Conference, bearing the name of the New-England Con- 
ference. This Conference embraces such places as Bos- 
ton, Cambridge, Newbury port, (the burying-place of George 
Whitefield,) Lowell, the famous cotton-manufacturing 
Manchester of America, Worcester, Springfield, together 
with their adjacent towns and villages. We have here 
three districts ; namely, Boston, Worcester, and Spring- 
field ; one hundred and twenty-one stations and circuits; 
one hundred and eight regular ministers, with seventy-six 
local preachers ; and thirteen thousand three hundred and 
eighty-one church-members. 

This portion of the country may be considered as the 
cradle of the American system. Here the pilgrim fathers 
landed ; here, in the midst of the wilds and tempests of 
nature, and the wars of the Indians, these brave spirits 
cherished the love of freedom, for which they had aban- 
doned their native land ; here, left very much to themselves 
by the mother country, the people fostered the habits of 
self-government, elected their own council, officers, and 
even governors ; and here, in the performance of the func- 
tions of a tiny, but actually independent, society, were laid 
the foundations of the existing state of things ; here the 
stem Puritanism, founded partly on the rigorous dogmas 
of a Calvinistic creed, and partly on the jus-divinuin prin- 
ciple of Church order and government, which characterized 
the rigid opinions of early times, took entire possession of 
the hearts of the people ; here, strange to say, an ecclesi- 
astical power, as exclusive, as undivided, as repulsive even 
as Popery itself, became the established and dominant reli- 
gion ; here, on this spot, the obtrusive Quakers and Bap- 
tists, when they dared to adventure, and all others not of 
the church of the prevailing sect, were expelled ; here a 
number of poor old, and some young, women were merci- 
lessly put to death for witchcraft ; and here the Mathere 

14 



314 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

and such men preached, ruled, put up and put down at 
their pleasure ; — blessed, cursed, and did many other things 
which look very strange to us in these days. 

But though homogeneous and awfully stern, this was a 
great religion. The faith of the men was vividly realizing. 
The nearness and majesty in which they beheld God, in- 
spired them with inflexible principles ; their habit of con- 
necting the divine decrees and providence with all the 
events of life, led to the idea that, in all things, they were 
the agents of the sovereign will of Deity ; and their admis- 
sion of, their belief in, the supreme and paramount import- 
ance of pure, spiritual religion, as they understood it, caused 
them to expel from their society " all the sons of Belial," 
and, indeed, every opinion and sentiment which they con- 
sidered heretical and injurious. Animated by this strong 
behef in their call and destination, connected, moreover, 
with the bitter persecutions they had endured in their 
own country ; — their banishment for conscience' sake ; the 
sufferings and hardships they had passed through ; the 
labours, privations, and terrors of the wilderness, and the 
solitude in which they lived ; their habitual converse with 
the invisible and spiritual world ; — these men were pre- 
pared to become the pioneers of a great religious and 
social creation. 

The love of freedom of these heroic Christians lived 
through all their generations, down to the period of Inde- 
pendence. It is a strange coincidence that the animus, the 
spirit, of real Americanism, should have its root and its 
final development, its catastrophe, on the same spot. It 
was these very Bostonians, the descendants of the pilgrim 
fathers, and many of them bearing their names, who first 
resisted '* taxation without representation ;" who opposed 
the coercive power of the mother country, and threw the 
tea into the sea ; it was these very people who raised the 
shout of liberty, proclaimed the claim of independence, 
marshalled themselves into mihtary bands, and fought the 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 315 

first battle — now commemorated by the "Bunker-Hill" 
monument. They were what the Americans call " strong 
men," these. And let the pseudo-philosophers of the age 
know, that it was the religious sentiment which produced 
this power, and led to these results. Let the Americans 
themselves remember the fact, keep it as a sacred truth, 
treasure it up as an heir-loom in their houses, and teach it 
to their children, that it was the Christian religion, em- 
braced and held by men now deemed fanatics, which laid 
the foundations of their freedom, their social happiness, 
their poHtical greatness, their advancement in all the bless- 
ings of civilization ; and that the moment they either neg- 
lect or renounce this religion of the Bible, then, that mo- 
ment, they lay sacrilegious hands on the foundation which 
supports the entire fabric of their power. 

We see, from the above statement, that Methodism has 
taken considerable hold of this interesting population. It 
can, however, be a matter of no surprise that, at its com- 
mencement, it was looked upon with some amount of 
jealousy, and that the first evangelists met with much 
annoyance and opposition. The details are curious and 
interesting, especially so far as they relate to the labours of 
one man of eminent piety, originahty, simple but effective 
eloquence and glowing zeal. We refer again to Jesse Lee.* 
This eminent Christian minister seems to have been won- 
derfully fitted for the work assigned him by the great 
Head of the Church, and he made full proof of his minis- 
try. How changed is the scene now, as compared with the 
beginning of the work of evangelization by this zealous 
champion of the truth ! 

There is some resemblance between the character and 
history of Jesse Lee and John Nelson. Soon after his 
conversion, and while his heart was glowing with love, the 

* See his " Life," by his nephew, the Rev. Dr. Lee. See also Banos's 
" History," Asbury's " Journal," and Stevens's " Memorial of the Introduc- 
tion of Methodism into the Eastern States." 



B16 TO UK IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

revolutionary war then raging, he was balloted for the 
militia. 

He continued four months in the array, bearing witness 
for his divine Master. 

" ' Many of them,' he says, ' on one occasion were very solemn, and 
some of them wept freely under the preaching of the word. I Avas 
happy in God, and thankful to him for the privilege of warning the 
wicked once more. It was a great cross for me to go forward in 
matters of so much importance, where there were few to encourage, 
and many to oppose ; but I knew that I had to give account to God 
for my conduct in the world. I felt the responsibility laid upon me, 
and was resolved to open my mouth for God. I often thought I had 
more cause to praise and adore him for his goodness than any other 
person. For some weeks I hardly ever prayed in public, or preached, 
or reproved a sinner, without seeing some good effects produced by 
my labours.' " — Stevens's " Memorials of Methodism" pp. 22-25. 

Such, in part, was the training, and such the character, 
of Jesse Lee, the founder of Methodism in the New-England 
States. 

It may be proper at this point to remark, that other 
moral agencies besides the existence of church organiza- 
tions will often be found to exist within the limits of these 
local confarences. We notice one or two in connexion 
with the New-England Conference. 

Besides a Book-Depot found at Boston, a branch of the 
general Book-Concern, we find amongst other things a 
local newspaper conducted at this place, called Zion's 
Herald, and possessing great influence. This paper has 
been established for a number of years ; and, amongst other 
services for religion and humanity, it has been probably the 
most powerful instrument in the States, amongst the Me- 
thodists, in favour of the abolition of slavery. It opened 
its columns for the discussion of this great question some 
dozen or more years ago, and continues the discussion to 
the present time. It was this paper which first broke 
ground on this question amongst our people; thus com- 
mencing, in the old locality, a new movement in favour of 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 317 

freedom, — but on this occasion that of the African race. 
Boston in this stands out in honourable distinction, as true 
to her original spirit, her traditions, her love of liberty. 

To us it seems a strange thing that any difficulty should 
be connected with a question of this sort. But the matter 
of fact is, that the opening of this debate was like the fall 
of some mighty Alpine avalanche into the peaceful regions 
below. Without harshness, or any design to impute im- 
proper motives to any parties, it will be admitted by all 
who are tolerably acquainted with the facts of the case,, 
that the Methodist Chwcch. feared the agitation of the ques- 
tion of slavery ; and endeavoured, as much and as long as 
possible, to stave off the subject for the sake of peace. 

In consequence of this state of things, it became a sort 
of heroic, not to say desperate, adventure for the Herald 
to take up the cause. It did so, however, not in the one- 
sided manner of the public press in general, but admitted 
both sides of the argument, and left the public to judge. 
That the impression was deep, and the sentiment against 
slavery powerfully excited, we have sufficient proof in the 
fact, that this circumstance, this very discussion in the 
Herald, led to a painful secession, and the establishment 
of a new community of Methodists. These parties, think- 
ing that the spirit and action of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church were not sufficiently decided against slavery, after 
miserable altercations on both sides, and debates upon the 
subject, ultimately left the body, and formed themselves 
into what they call the Wesleyan Methodist Church ; the 
main distinction of this new organization being the non- 
admission of slaveholders into the Christian fellowship.* 

A history of this affair is not intended ; and the subject 
is introduced merely to give some notion to the English 
reader of the nature and the power of these local papers. 
Society is greatly influenced, and it is to be hoped, on the 

* Those who wish to see a more detailed account of these matters, may 
find information in Matlack's " Life of the Rev. Orange Scott." 



318 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

whole, greatly enlightened and benefited, by this mode of 
producing an impression. It must be clear to every intel- 
ligent and thoughtful person, that in such a community as 
that of the New-England States, it is impossible for any 
body of Christians to hold up their heads, to make any 
progress, to possess any standing at all, unless they con- 
nect literature with religion. Every human creature above 
eight years of age, whether man, woman, or child, will be 
found reading some daily newspaper. Whether this is a 
good, a wholesome state of things, may be a question of 
difficult solution. But, right or wrong, it is a fact, a habit. 
With this condition of society to deal with, it became ob- 
vious to the leaders of the respective religious bodies, that 
they must accommodate themselves to the public taste, or 
otherwise abandon the ground altogether to a secular, po- 
Htical, and occasionally infidel, press. Necessity originally 
led to this mode of influence ; and certainly this Zion's 
Herald has done its work on the point in question with 
great ability and force ; and in other labours has, no doubt, 
performed its share of duty in sustaining and carrying out 
the designs of the Church. 

IV. Immediately contiguous to the New-England is the 
Providence Conference. Providence being the capital 
of the State of Rhode Island, of course the territory within 
the limits of this conference will include that locality. The 
religious history of this State is exceedingly interesting. It 
was settled very early, chiefly by the wisdom and perse- 
verance of Roger Wilhams, about the most remarkable man 
of his age. Mr. Williams was a minister of religion, and 
first went to the Plantation of Massachusetts in that capa- 
city ; but embracing the notions of the Baptists, he was 
harshly banished from his adopted home, and, to hide him- 
self from his persecutors, and perhaps to save his life, he was 
obliged to throw himself amongst the Indians. These poor 
savages, more merciful than his countrymen and fellow- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 319 

Christians, admitted him to their settlements, and protected 
him for a length of time. He became a great favourite, (as 
who does not, who treats the sons of the forest with kindness ?) 
and gained great ascendency over them. This influence 
he was called upon to use on many occasions afterwards for 
the security of those very men who had driven him from 
their society. Whether from the effects of persecution, or 
from the strength of his own genius, does not appear ; but 
Roger Williams attained to a just perception of the appa- 
rently difficult question of religious liberty. He is nearly 
the first, if not the very first, man in modern times who 
acquired this knowledge. He boldly taught, as well as 
firmly held, in all vicissitudes of fortune, the precious truth 
he had attained. But the notions of the times regarding 
the legitimate connexion betwixt spiritual and secular 
things — if the reader please, betwixt Church and State — 
are shown in his case ; for this Baptist pastor became one 
of the first governors of the community he had been the 
instrument of establishing. (See Bancroft's " History of the 
United States") 

In connexion with the Providence Conference we 
find three districts ; namely, New-Bedford, New-London, 
and Sandwich : one hundred and twelve stations and cir- 
cuits ; one hundred and twelve ministers, with seventy-two 
local preachers, and fourteen thousand four hundred and 
twenty-nine church-members. 

Here we find the following extra appointment : — Samuel 
C. Brown, teacher in Providence Conference Academy. So 
it seems this conference also possesses the patronage of 
an academy, and is promoting the intellectual advancement 
of their people. 

V. By reason of its extent, its population, and its wealth. 
New- York is called the " Empire State." It is worthy of 
this name. Besides all its other advantages already re- 
ferred to, — its central position, and easy means of commu- 



320 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

nication to every part of the continent, and the great extent 
of country lying in its rear, and to be reached chiefly through 
its port, for all commercial purposes, must unite to make 
this city the great emporium — in fact, the metropolis — of 
the United States. 

These great centres of life, wherever found, have not 
only an important local position, but an equally important 
relative destiny. They form the great moving power in the 
societies of men ; they constitute the reservoirs whence the 
waters flow, to irrigate, with good or evil sentiments and 
influences, the whole surrounding country. This city must, 
in the nature of things, give a mighty impulse to all politi- 
cal, social, intellectual, and religious interests existing on 
the whole of the continent. This is the natural result of 
its population and wealth. Men of certain classes, either 
in pride or in ignorance, will discard everything as ahen 
not found in their own department ; but all this is a vain 
imagination. Political speculators may repudiate the idea 
of religion having anything to do with pohtics ; and, vice 
versa, religious men may repudiate the notion of what is 
purely spiritual being brought in any way into contact with 
the secular. All this is pure fiction. The world is made 
up of two great elements, the secular and the spiritual ; 
they cannot be separated ; they lie by the side of each 
other ; it is impossible that either should exist in a healthy 
state in isolation ; action and re-action must be constantly 
going on ; — and, as in nature, the only safety for society is 
found in the equitable balance of the two powers. 

On this principle it follows, that the existence of large 
cities presents a favourable sphere for religion ; inasmuch 
as they constitute an ample theatre for its development, 
and also furnish the means of its extension. The state of 
Methodism in New- York must, on these grounds, not only 
be important in itself, but deeply afi'ect its condition in other 
places. 

For these reasons it A\dll be interesting to give the best 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 321 

view in our power of the progress of the Methodist Church 
in the city itself. It may be proper to say, that Brooklyn 
is to New- York what Southwark is to London ; or, more 
properly, what Birkenhead is to Liverpool, because the 
channel is too broad to be crossed by a bridge. In the 
two places we find no fewer than thirty-six churches, thirty- 
seven ministers, and eleven thousand two hundred and 
seventy -four church-members. But if our former principle 
of calculation is adhered to, namely, that the congregations 
and children belonging to these several churches amount to 
something like four or five times the number of communi- 
cants ; then it will appear, that fifty thousand of the popu- 
lation is under the influence of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Having given the statistics of the city separately, it is 
now proper to add the numbers furnished by the confer- 
ence. This will include the city. 

We find eight districts ; namely. New- York, Long Island, 
New- Haven, Hartford, Poughkeepsie, RhinehecTc, Delaware, 
Newhurgh : two hundred and fifty-five stations and circuits ; 
two hundred and fifty-four ministers, with two hundred 
and twenty local preachers ; and forty-six thousand nine 
hundred and seven church-members, three hundred and 
seventy-nine being people of colour. 

But, in addition to these general items, we find the fol- 
lowing : — Editor of the Quarterly Review and Books of the 
General Catalogue, George Peck ; Assistant Editor of the 
Christian Advocate, George Coles. 

These entries are connected with the literary labours of 
the body at New- York. 

Another most interesting minute is found in connexion 
with this conference. We find the Middletown Wesleyan 
University, with Stephen Olin, President ; Joseph Holdich, 
Professor ; John H. Lindsey, Tutor. The " Repository of 
Useful Knowledge" adds the following particulars respect- 
ing this collegiate institution ; — Founded in 1831; in- 

14* 



322 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

structers, 1 ; ahmmi, 283; ministers, 104; students, 125; 
volumes in the library, 12,000. 

The estimable President of this University, Dr. Olin, is 
not unknown in this country, and, being known, is highly 
esteemed. Like many of his countrymen, he has been a 
great traveller, and given to the reading world the results 
of his investigations on the most interesting and historically 
sacred countries of our globe. And by general consent 
it is allowed, that his " Travels " rank amongst the most 
instructive and edifying books of the age ; and that his 
Biblical criticisms, derived from a careful examination of the 
topography of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, are invaluable 
to the student of the Bible. But as a theologian and 
preacher. Dr. Olin is equally esteemed ; and must be classed 
not only amongst the brightest lights of his own body, but 
as one of the men of his country, and, indeed, of the age. 
Dr. Holdich is an Englishman, and is full of tender recol- 
lections of the scenes of his boyhood, and of his own and 
" his father's friends." His attainments, his urbanity, and, 
moreover, his business capacity, unite to make him a most 
valuable man. It Avas my happiness to see a good deal 
of this gentleman ; and everything tended to produce in 
me a perfect admiration of his talents and character. With 
such leaders as these, it is fair to suppose that the youth 
educated at this University are fully fitted to take a useful 
and honourable post in society. 

We have one other item in this New- York Conference 
worth noticing : — State-prison at Wethersfield, Nathaniel 
Kellogg, Chaplain. 

So it seems the State [Connecticut] is not indisposed to 
intrust the care and instruction of its prisoners to a Me- 
thodist minister. But it may be imagined by some, that 
prisoners do not excite much concern amongst the states- 
men and citizens of the New- World. This is a perfect 
mistake. If any one thing more than another engages the 
attention and interests the philanthropy of the Americans, 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 323 

it is the reformation of prisoners. They speculate on 
this point of progress and government with their accus- 
tomed fearlessness and energy. It is not our business to 
pass any opinion on their silent system, their solitary con- 
finement, and other modes of reformation or punishment ; 
with but this one exception, — namely, that there can be 
nothing on this side the bottomless pit more horrible, more 
repugnant to human nature, or more completely calculated 
to break the heart and crush the powers of the poor wretch, 
who unfortunately gets immured in one of these prison- 
houses, than these appliances. They are no half-measure 
men, these Americans. If they punish, they do punish 
with a vengeance ; if they set about the task of reformation, 
they do not for a moment hesitate about the feelings, the 
tastes, the likings and dislikings of the miserable culprit, 
or the sentimentalism of the public. They strip him, flay 
him, place him on a Procrustes's bed, and crack every bone 
in his body. Lovers of liberty as they are, they reduce the 
souls of these poor prisoners to a state of perfect passive 
existence. The system is found effective enough ; for many 
of the inmates are driven mad ; and the most fortunate 
amongst them lose the proper, the manly tone of their 
faculties ; and, crushed beneath the iron despotism of their 
discipline, they appear as mental automata, moving just as 
they are moved. Those who wish to gain an idea of the 
inexorable justice of Tartarus, where, it may be, the lost 
soul is left no choice, but bends to the ever- varying torments 
of his condition, in passive pain and hopeless misery ; — 
those who desire to gain an idea of this, had better go to 
one of these State-prisons. 

We cannot but think this mode of reformation is some- 
what opposed to American ideas and opinions. As a 
general principle and rule, they seem to seek the correction 
of the evils of human nature and of society by ameliora- 
tions, by developments, by advancement ; — but here all this 
is reversed. 



324 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

It is, indeed, a most effective way of dealing with a 
diseased man, at once to kill him. This is a certain remedy 
in his case. When buried, he can no longer need the 
nurse's assiduity, or be a medium of contagion. But this 
is not the American way in general. They set about the 
cure, not by annihilation, but by calling forth the remaining 
powers of life. They unfold, expand, invigorate, all the 
functions of humanity. They endeavour to improve and 
exalt every person, and, indeed, the whole of society, by 
calling forth the latent energies, the hidden virtues, the 
mental and moral power, of every living creature. Their 
prison-system is the contrast of all this. As far as the dis- 
cipline goes, it is perfectly crushing ; it is an attempt to 
kill the seeds of vice, to put the evil propensities to death. 
We have no faith in the sc^ieme. It may be possible to 
change, to modify, to turn and twist the evil nature of man 
this way and that ; but it is never changed but by divine 
truth and grace. Indeed, we generally find, as in the case 
of this Wethersfield, that some religious teacher is con- 
nected with these prisons ; and a plentiful supply of Bibles 
is furnished. No doubt good is done ; there is something 
alleviating iix this arrangement. But it is to be feared, that, 
in most cases, the religion of the prison will, in the mind 
of the poor sufferer, be connected with the system itself. 
It does not come to him as daylight to his dungeon, — as 
a salvation, — a redemption, — an emancipation, — but as a 
branch of the discipline under which he groans. We can- 
not have much confidence in the efficacy of religious appli- 
ances, when attached to so horrible a scheme as the silent 
and solitary systems of the American prison-house.* 

VI. The New- Jersey State joins that of New- York, and 
we find a local conference bearino: this name. The New- 
Jersey Conference contains six districts ; namely, New- 

[* Dr. Dixon's acquaintance with the American prison-system seems to be 
purely theoretical] 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 325 

ark, Paterson, Rahway, Trenton, Burlington, and Camden : 
one hundred and fourteen stations and circuits ; one hundred 
and fifty-five ministers, with one hundred and ninety-four 
local preachers ; and twenty-nine thousand five hundred 
and ninety-two church-members. 

VII. Our progress towards the south now leads us to 
Philadelphia. This city and State are celebrated as 
having descended from the Quaker colony of William Penn. 
Its history is profoundly interesting. Like the establish- 
ments of the pilgrim fathers in the New-England States, 
this also originated in religion. But the type was very 
difi'erent, the Quaker regime being mild and liberal. Wil- 
liam Penn himself was, no doubt, one of the most eminent 
Christians of his day, or, indeed, of any day ; his com- 
panions and followers, many of them at least, partook of 
his own spirit ; and, as a consequence, the Christian element 
became the predominant one in the settlement of the colony. 
But the religious power brought to bear on the interests 
of the settlement was only spiritual, and, consequently, 
perfectly mild and gentle. The law of love was that which 
was relied upon by this eminent man, both in the manage- 
ment of the affairs of the infant State, and in his dealings 
with the Indians. 

The site of the settlement was a subject of treaty and 
purchase, not of robbery ; the rights of the natives of the 
forest were recognized, as well as those of the white man ; 
equity and truth towards the children of the soil were 
deemed as binding as the exercise of the same virtues in all 
other relations ; and, moreover, the law of God, whether 
found in the written word or in the living soul, was fully 
believed in as obligatory in matters of social life. The 
purchase of the land, the treaty with the Indians, the re- 
cognition of the principle of religious liberty, government 
without coercion, and a perfect confraternity of rights 
and interests, were remarkable developments for the times. 



326 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

happy world, if Quaker sentiments could find a conge- 
nial existence ! (See Clarkson's '' lAfe of William Penn,'^ 
and Bancroft's "History''') 

This happy beginning soon became beclouded. William 
Penn's own life was embittered, towards its close, with in- 
finite trouble and vexation. His beautiful fabric broke 
down beneath the pressure of man's sins and follies ; and 
the Quaker colony of Philadelphia stood in as much need 
of the awakening and revivifying influence of Methodism, 
in the early days of its enterprise in America, as other 
places. 

Quaker neatness and love of order are, however, still 
impressed on what is visible in the city ; and this is nearly 
all of Quakerism which remains. 

It was at this place that Francis Asbury landed on the 
27th day of October, 1771: a memorable day this, both 
for himself and America. His words on the occasion 
are simple and touching : — " When I came near the Ame- 
rican shore, my very heart melted within me, to think from 
whence I came, where I was going, and what I was going 
about. But I felt my mind open to the people, and my 
tongue loo:,ed to speak. I feel that God is here ; and 
find plenty of all we need," Poor missionary ! he did not 
"need" much, if he possessed all he desired. He tells us 
just before, when relating his journey and voyage : "When 

1 came to Bristol, I had not one penny of money ; but the 
Lord soon opened the hearts of friends, who supplied me 
with clothes, and £10." Thus were our predecessors 
equipped for their work. We suppose his passage had 
been paid, or gratuitously furnished by some kind-hearted 
captain ; but as to himself, we see that his wardrobe and 
pocket were both alike empty. It required some faith in 
those days to do the work of the Lord. This blessed man 
does not seem in the least to falter or shrink at the idea 
of landing in America without a penny in his pocket, with- 
out any treasury to draw upon at home ; — or to have enter- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 327 

tained the least conception how his supplies were to be 
furnished in a strange land, and amongst a strange people. 
But he drew on a Bank which never fails to honour those 
who rely upon its resources. 

This has been a much-favoured city and State with re- 
spect to the progress of Methodism. We find in union 
with this conference six districts ; namely, Philadelphia, 
South Philadelphia, Reading, Wihnington, Easton, and 
Snoiv-Hill : one hundred and thirteen stations and circuits ; 
one hundred and fifty-six ministers, together with one hun- 
dred and fifty- eight local preachers ; and forty-two thousand 
two hundred and eighty-nine church-members : ten thousand 
and forty-two of the above number are coloured people. 

Pennsylvania is not now a slave State. In 1840, only 
sixty-four remained in bondage ; and it is to be presumed, 
that by this time the evil has become entirely extinct. From 
this it will follow, that the coloured people above mentioned 
are free. 

It may be as well to explain here, that those States 
which have adopted the principle of abolition, have never 
done it as an instantaneous emancipation. The law has 
always made provision for a prospective and gradual ex- 
tinction of slavery, by enacting that all children, born after 
a certain date, should be free ; and in some cases, also, in 
passing measures to enable masters to manumit their slaves 
by their own free choice ; or to allow the poor creatures 
to work out or purchase their freedom. In consequence 
of these prospective enactments, it sometimes happens, as 
in the above instance, that a State will have a few old 
slaves within its bosom, for many years after the act of 
emancipation has been passed. We believe, in general, 
these poor relics of a discarded system are looked upon 
with great kindness, and are sufficiently provided for in 
their old age. 

VIII. We now come to a real slave-holding State, Mary- 



328 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

land, containing- the Baltimore Conference. It is thought 
by some, having, by the by, good means of information, 
that Methodism has made greater progress, and holds a 
more commanding position, in the city of Baltimore, than 
in any other part of the United States. Certainly, external 
appearances favour the opinion, that it has taken hold of 
large masses of the population, and occupies a very influ- 
ential place in the midst of the religious denominations of 
the city. Whether it is the predominant interest, it is not 
for me to say ; but this is the opinion of some of the esti- 
mable ministers and people of the place. If spacious and 
beautiful churches, large and most respectable congrega- 
tions, Christian and kind-hearted families, — connected with 
all the marks and evidences of intelligent piety, — are to 
be taken as proofs of progress, then, most assuredly, Balti- 
more must be considered as ranking very high in a religious 
point of view. 

The Baltimore Conference numbers eight districts; 
namely, Baltimore, North Baltimore, Potomac, RocTcing- 
ham, Winchester, Carlisle, Huntingdon, Northumberland : 
one hundred and forty-three stations and circuits, two hun- 
dred and twenty-eight ministers, with two hundred and 
eighty local preachers ; and fifty-two thousand three hun- 
dred and thirty-eight church-members : sixteen thousand 
three hundred and eighty-seven of these are people of 
colour, many of them, no doubt, slaves. 

Dickinson College is located at Carlisle, within the limits 
of this conference. Of this institution the Repository states 
that it was established in 1*783: instructers, 10; alumni, 
631 ; students, 108 ; volumes in the library, 12,000. The 
late amiable, pious, and talented Dr. Emory was, at the 
period of his death, in May, 1848, the president of this 
college. Dr. Emory was the son of Bishop Emory, who 
is remembered in this country with admiration on account 
of his eminent character and talents. Dr. M'Clintock, pro- 
fessor up to the last General Conference, is a gentleman 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 329 

of high reputation as a scholar and minister, and was ap- 
pointed by the above-mentioned body as the Editor of the 
Quarterly Review. From the date of its institution, it will 
be perceived that this college was not originally founded 
by the Methodist Church, but by some other parties ; who, 
failing to realize the objects designed, turned it over to its 
present occupants. This has been the case with several 
others. We hope the fact does not indicate any decay of 
zeal in the case of other friends and patrons of education ; 
but certainly it does indicate the growing power and influ- 
ence of Methodism in this department. 

But the metropolis of America, the city of Washington, 
is within the limits of this conference. Under the head 
Wesley Chaioel, we have the folloAving appointment : Henry 
Sheer. This is all which is said. Now, no one would 
know anything remarkable about Henry Slicer by this sim- 
ple insertion of his name, in connexion with Wesley Chapel. 
The matter of fact is, that this gentleman is one of the 
chaplains of Congress, and is called, in the course of his 
duty, every Sunday to preach Christianity to the President 
of the United States, and to many of the senators and mem- 
bers of Congress. 

In this country the idea of a court chaplain, or a preacher 
to the House of Lords or Commons, is connected in- 
stinctively with the notions of a great ecclesiastical digni- 
tary, or a divine of the first pink of religious fashion. 
Probably some such notion may fill the reader's mind re- 
specting this chaplain to the Congress. Nothing would be 
more fallacious or untrue than such a fancy. I found Mr. 
Slicer one of the plainest Methodist preachers I saw in 
America. I do not mean vulgar ; but in his garb, manners, 
bearing, and entire demeanour, he retains all the charac- 
teristics of the simple, pious, unsophisticated Methodist 
minister. So, at any rate, I have seen one clergyman who 
has lived long in the precincts of a court, who has held 
constant intercourse with the chiefs and great men of the 



330 TOUK IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 



1 



nation, and yet who still remains uncorrupt. By the kind- 
ness of our good friend, I enjoyed many advantages in my 
visit to Washington, which could not have been attained 
in so easy a manner without his intervention. 

But my object in this part of our investigation being 
merely to trace out the position and influence of Method- 
ism, I must refer the reader to another part of the narra- 
tive for information on these matters. I was informed 
that several Methodists were members of Congress ; and, 
as we have seen, had the pleasure of hearing one, a local 
preacher, of the name of Hilliard, speak in the House of 
Representatives. He appeared a man of good talents, 
practical mind, an agreeable address, and possessing very 
respectable elocution. This good friend, I understood, 
often took the pulpit in one of the churches at Washington ; 
so that he was not a preacher at home, and a silent Chris- 
tian at the seat of government ; but fearlessly maintained 
his religious character and vocation everywhere. The fact 
is, however, that he suffered nothing from this. A man is 
not sent to Coventry for being a Methodist, nor loses rank, 
or anything else, by maintaining his principles. Freedom 
in religion \z no fiction in the States. Men are estimated by 
their character, their talents, their capacity to serve the pub- 
lic ; and not by their creed, or by denominational distinctions. 

Two or three facts, having a religious bearing, connected 
with the State of Maryland, are worth mentioning. The 
first is, that Lord Baltimore, as we have seen, from Avhom 
the city is named, was a Roman Catholic, a convert from 
Protestantism, and an eminent statesman, of the age of 
Charles II. Romanist though he became, yet he retained 
his attachment to religious liberty ; and notwithstanding 
many persons of his own creed constituted the first bodies 
of settlers, yet the stringent doctrines of Popish intolerance 
were never coimtenanced. In point of fact. Popish Mary- 
land was the first colony in America where a system of 
practical toleration and religious freedom obtained a foot- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 331 

ing. (See Bancroft.) As might be expected, the Popish 
Church is still in great power in Baltimore. 

A second fact is, that though Maryland is a slave State, 
yet slavery itself is decreasing. In 1'790, the number of 
slaves amounted to 103,036 ; and in 1840, to only 89,737. 
The same dates give for the white population, in 1790, 
319,728 ; and in 1840, 1,239,797. From some causes, of 
which I confess myself to be ignorant, it is very evident 
that slavery, in this State, is not favoured by the general 
population. A process of extinction is evidently going on. 
The balance on the side of the white and free population is 
clearly increasing rapidly ; whilst, instead of the slave por- 
tion augmenting in a proportionate ratio, we find that their 
numbers are rapidly decreasing. It is cheering to see that 
in a short period, by the natural process of things, the evil 
must end itself. I, indeed, found many estimable men, no 
friends to slavery, looking forward to this with some degree 
of confidence, as a good which they ardently anticipated. It 
was thought by these gentlemen, that such States as Mary- 
land, ha\dng ceased to cherish and uphold slavery, in fact, 
would soon be led to renounce it by a legislative enactment. 
Well or ill founded, it is the opinion of these parties, that two 
or three of the other States would have done so before this, 
had it not been for abolitionist agitations. It is certain that, 
of all men in the world, Americans are the least likely to 
yield to an external pressure ; and it is very possible that 
the majority, in particular States, may have been roused to 
a reaction by what they consider the unauthorized and im- 
pertinent interference of other people with their affairs. In 
this I am not delivering opinions of my own ; I am merely 
stating an alleged fact, as it was often represented to me 
by thoughtful men, and friends of abolition. However 
this may be, it is delightful to have ocular demonstration, 
from the diminished and diminishing numbers of slaves in 
Maryland, that the free men of the State are not, in general, 
the patrons of slavery. 



332 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

IX. In our descent along the Atlantic coast, we now 
enter the South division of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The Virginia Conference is the first on the line. We 
have, belonging to this conference, six districts ; namely, 
Richmond, Charlotteville, Lynclihurgh, Randolph Macon, 
Petershurgh, and Norfolk : seventy-six stations and cir- 
cuits ; ninety-one ministers, with one hundred and sixty- 
five local preachers : and twenty-eight thousand four 
hundred and fifty-seven church-members ; of these mem- 
bers, five thousand six hundred and ninety-one are people 
of colour. 

The slavery of this State has greatly increased; the 
numbers being, in 1790, 203,427 ; and, in 1840, 448,987. 
It is to be presumed from this, that the people are really 
in favour of the system. They would probably say they 
are not so, in reality ; in the abstract, that they consider 
liberty, freedom, human rights, as o:;sential and divine. 
But then they think that the poor blacks are better off as 
slaves than if free ; and, moreover, that the system is so 
dovetailed into their social condition, that it is impossible, 
in the present state of things, to change it. These are the 
apologies I often heard. One thing surprises me on enter- 
ing into a statistical examination of this first Southern Con- 
ference : it is the very limited number of coloured people 
belonging to the Church as compared with the slave 
population in the State. I am aware that the Virginia 
Conference may not, and indeed does not, include the 
whole of the State ; but still, it is very evident that it em- 
braces a considerable proportion ; and if this proportion is 
no more than half its extent, it still leaves but a very small 
fraction of the slaves as members of the Methodist Church. 
What are 5,600 slaves, compared with even half 448,987 ? 
The most cogent reason, and, as it struck me at the 
time, the most legitimate, for the neutrality of the Method- 
ist Church in the South on the subject — in fact, for its 
present separation from the North — was, that the ministers 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 333 

might have permission to seek the salvation of these poor 
outcasts, lead them to Christ, ameliorate their condition, 
and thus prepare them for freedom. But really, is it worth 
while (I say nothing of the lawfulness of the thing) to 
sacrijSce a principle, to lay aside a great truth, to bend be- 
fore the great Moloch, for such a result as this ? Virginia 
is one of the oldest jfields of enterprise belonging to the 
Methodist Church ; on this ground it has been at work 
almost from the beginning ; and see the issue, as regards 
the slave population. Why, if Christianity is to prepare 
these people for liberty, and Methodism is to be its agent, 
ages and ages must intervene betwixt these wretched 
people and the mighty boon. From this investigation one 
cannot help believing, that this accursed evil stands in the 
way of the religious good — the salvation — of the poor Af- 
ricans, to an extent but little apprehended. 

The Book-Room belonging to the Southern Church is 
established at Richmond, within the limits of this confer- 
ence: John Early, Book- Agent, and L. M. Lee, Agent and 
Editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate. Dr. Lee, the 
nephew of Jesse Lee, is, as we see, Editor of the Richmond 
Christian Advocate. These Christian Advocates, in these 
times, are fearful things. One cannot help deploring, that 
talents competent to the highest studies and investigations 
of theological and sacred truth, should be devoted to parti- 
san warfare. This is unhappily the case now. This fine 
young man. Dr. Lee, and another at New- York, not as 
young, but of equally excellent spirit, Dr. G. Peck, must 
now be pitted against each other in deadly warfare, on the 
points at issue between the North and the South.* It 
makes one's heart bleed to think of men like these spend- 
ins: their time and their talents in service so wretched. 

We have another appointment to notice. It is William 
A. Smith, President of R. M. College ; B. R. Duval, and 
Nathaniel Thomas, Agents. Now, as R. M. College is 

* See Note page 432. 



334 TOUR IN AMERICA. —PART IV. 

placed under the Randolph Macon District, I suppose it 
must mean a college bearing that name. Our good breth- 
ren across the Atlantic are so fond of abbreviations, that it 
is really difficult for a stranger, not well acquainted with 
them, to make out their meaning. But the fact indicated is 
of importance, namely, that in this place a college is found 
for the purpose of advancing the interests of general and 
sacred knowledge. We may see, from the number of these 
institutions, and their frequent occurrence as we traverse 
the continent, that the attention of the Church is intently 
fixed upon the subject of education. Results of great im- 
portance to religion and civilization must arise out of this 
potent agency. 

X. The North Carolina Conference is the next in 
our line. This conference has within its limits five districts ; 
namely, Raleigh, Salisbury, Danville, Washington, New- 
hern : fifty-seven stations and circuits ; seventy -five minis- 
ters, with one hundred and thirty -nine local preachers ; 
and twenty thousand three hundred and eight members : 
out of this number, seven thousand seven hundred and fifty 
are people of colour. 

This, as every one knows, is a slave State, and the evil 
is increasing. In 1790, we find 100,5*72 slaves; in 1840, 
245,817. But the progress of Methodism among the Afri- 
can race is much more satisfactory than in Virginia. The 
total, 7,750, in the midst of a population of 245,817, will 
give a proportion much more than double, or treble, that 
of the other State. This, however, is a very poor average 
on the whole population ; and indicates that the progress 
made has not been very extraordinary. 

We have the following appointments in the Conference : 
B. T. Blake and J. Jamieson, Professors in Greensborougfh 
Female College. We shall be under the necessity of no- 
ticing these female colleges elsewhere ; and may conse- 
quently omit any particular remarks here, further than to 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 336 

entreat the reader to notice the fact, that the planters of 
the South — a very different race — are no more neghgent of 
this subject of education than the sturdy citizens of the 
North ; being wilHng, it seems, to send their daughters for 
training to religious schools. 

XI. We now come to the South Carolina Confer- 
ence. On the territory of this ecclesiastical division, are 
found six districts ; Charleston, CoTcesbury, Columbia, Wil- 
mington, Fayetteville, Lincolnton : seventy-four stations, 
circuits, and missions ; one hundred and seven ministers ; 
(no return of local preachers ;) sixty-five thousand one hun- 
dred and sixty-seven church -members : in this aggregate, 
thirty-eight thousand and eighty-two are people of colour. 
This is a splendid result. 

South Carolina is a plantation country, and consequently 
in favour of slavery. The numbers have increased in the 
following ratio : — In 1790, there were 107,094; and in 
1840, no less than 327,038. But it is delightful to find so 
large a number of them as 38,082 members of the Method- 
ist Church. Religion is the only real mitigation of the 
miseries of this condition; and let us hope that it may 
please God to confer it upon an increased number, and thus 
prepare them, by its influence, for all the rights of the social 
state. But still we must keep it in mind, that these ecclesias- 
tical boundaries are not those of the State ; and it is very 
likely, that this South Carolina Conference stretches into 
the northern State of that name. 

The religious history of the two Carolinas is very inter- 
esting, inasmuch as it is connected both Avith great princi- 
ples and great men. The territory was granted to propri- 
etaries by Charles II., the most distinguished of whom 
were the famous Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, and 
John Locke. The constitution which these eminent men 
framed for the government of the plantation — but which, 
by the by, did not last long — recognized the principle of 



336 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

religious toleration to the fullest extent ; and, at the same 
time, conceded that all free men had an absolute right of 
property in their slaves. Even Locke adopted this theory, 
made this a provision of the constitution which he drew up 
himself, and secured this as an indefeasible right to the 
emigrants. The one provision drew to these sunny shores 
unfortunate religionists from every country ; and the other 
filled the settlements with enslaved Africans. 

What a mystery is man ! Here, on this very soil, refu- 
gees from England, driven by the persecutions of Charles 
and James ; from Scotland, by that ruthless ruffian, the 
brutal Lauderdale ; from Ireland, by its chronic miseries 
and woes; from France, expatriated by the rescinding of 
the Edict of Nantz, and the ferocious cruelties of Louis 
XIV., then in his dotage, and imder the power of his mis- 
tress ; from Holland, the Low Countries, and Germany : — 
all these people, from so many nations, came, smarting 
imder the lash of tyranny, to seek a home in the wilder- 
ness of America, for the sole purpose that they might 
enjoy personal and religious freedom. And yet, one of the 
first things they did in their new state, was to subject the 
Negro to the degradation, not of political, not of religious, 
bondage — but of personal slavery ; implying the absolute 
forfeiture of his manhood, and his reduction to the condition 
of goods and chattels — the absolute property of his master.* 

But interest may be pleaded in favour of these planters ; 
it may be imagined that the want of labourers for the cul- 
tivation of the soil made it essential to employ the African 
race. But what are we to say of Locke ? No such tempta- 
tion could lie in his path. His speculations were those of 
the philosopher ; the constitution he provided was the pro- 
duction of his studious reflections ; he was, as is well 
known, profoundly acquainted with the laws of nature, the 
principles of jurisprudence, and with the word of God. 
This great man may be considered as one of the apostles 

* See Bancroft 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 337 

of liberty, both political and religious ; and yet he delibe- 
rately makes provision, in his constitution for Carolina — 
the matter is not left to accident — for the white popula- 
tion, the free men from Europe, to enslave the African. 
Could he believe these poor Negroes to be men ? If so, 
on his own principles — the principles of nature's laws, the 
principles of inalienable, immutable, eternal equity and 
justice — these parties, being men, have as much right to 
liberty, personal and religious, as any other men. How 
little, according to the Scriptures, "is man to be accounted 
of?" The only solution of this wonderful enigma is, that 
the philosopher, by some means, allowed himself to get 
under the influence of Shaftesbury, the wily politician. 
But, then, what are eternal truths, principles, laws — fixed 
as the universe — worth, if they are to be sacrificed at the 
shrine of poHtical expediency ? Even Locke, as we see, 
made truth partial, limited its range, confined it to classes. 
Liberty, even with its greatest champion, only meant liberty 
for men of a certain colour ; while these sons of freedom 
themselves might be permitted to perpetrate the most 
cruel wrong within the power of man, by enslaving their 
fellow-creatures. Here, then, strange to say, we have reli- 
gion and philosophy uniting to inflict this most execrable 
of all villanies — religion in the persons of expatriated Puri- 
tans, Calvinists, Huguenots, and Quakers ; and philosophy in 
the embodied sentiments of Shaftesbury and Locke. Truth 
comes slowly to man ; and it should seem that neither deep 
misfortunes on the one hand, nor profound knowledge on the 
other, can be a sufficient guarantee of its claims and rights. 

XII. The next Annual Conference is that of Georgia. 
Within the boundaries of this conference we find eight dis- 
tricts : Augusta, Athens, Gainsville, Marietta, La Grange, 
Macon, Columhus, Jeffersonville : one hundred and one sta- 
tions, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and twenty-six 
ministers ; (local preachers not given ;) fifty-seven thousand 

15 



338 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

one hundred and sixty-seven church-members. Among 
these church-members we find sixteen thousand and sixty- 
two people of colour. This is gratifying. 

The slavery of Georgia has been progressing. In 1*790, 
the numbers are reported as 29,264 ; and in 1840, they are 
swollen up to 253,532. This is fearful ; but the horror is 
mitigated by the fact of so many being, as we hope, free- 
men in Christ. 

Georgia is interesting to all the followers of John Wes- 
ley, inasmuch as it is the place to which he went as a mis- 
sionary to the Indians. Poor Indians ! where are they now ? 
No missionary is needed in Georgia for their benefit. He 
says, in the first paragraph of his Journal : — 

" Mr. Benjamin Ingham, of Queen's College, Oxford, Mr. Charles 
Delamotte, son of a merchant in London, who had offered himself 
some days befoi-e, my brother Charles Wesley, and myself, took boat 
for Gravesend, in order to embark for Georgia. Our end in leaving 
our native country, was not to avoid want, ( God having given us 
plenty of temporal blessings,) nor to gain tlie dung or dross of riches 
or honour ; but singly this, to save our souls, to live wholly to the 
glory of God." — Wesley's Works, vol. i, p. 17. 

He tells us, under the date of February 6th, 1736 : — 

^ About eight in the morning, we first set foot on American ground. 
It was a small uninhabited island, over against Tyber. Mr. Ogle- 
thorpe led us to a rising ground, where we all kneeled down to give 
thanks." — Wesley's Works, vol. i, p. 23. 

This act of religious worship consecrated the commence- 
ment of his interesting sojourn in this place. He remarks 
again, under date 

" February 29th — When I left England, I was chiefly afraid of two 
things ; one, that I should never again have so many faithful friends 
as I left there ; the other, that the spark of love v/hicli began to kin- 
dle in their hearts would cool and die away. But who knoweth the 
mercy and power of God 1 From ten friends I am a while secluded, 
and he hath opened me a door into a whole Church. And as to the 
very persons I left behind, his Spirit is gone forth so much the more, 
teaching them not to trust in man, but in Him that raiseth the dead, 
and calleth the ' things^that are not. as though they were.'" — Wesley^s 
Works, p. 26. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 339 

There is much to interest, much to meditate upon, in 
these few words. This apparent accident mentioned, — " He 
hath opened me a door into a whole Church," — is, in truth, 
the germinant fact of all Methodism. He refers to the 
Moravian Church, many of whose members he sailed with 
from England, observed their spirit with more than admi- 
ration, conversed Avith them on matters of experimental 
religion, and engaged in some of their services. These were 
among the circumstances which led to his own conversion. 
And now, in the wilds of Georgia, he had the opportunity 
of seeing their church order, witnessing their religious 
exercises, and entering into a free conversation with many 
of their best and holiest ministers, on questions of doctrine 
— and especially on the most vital of all — that of justifying 
faith. This connexion of Mr. Wesley Avith the Moravian 
Church, constituted the providential instrumentality in 
leading him to adopt his most fondly cherished notions of 
personal piety, and the religious life ; to see much of the 
most elevated and spiritual portions of religious practice, 
which he afterwards adopted as essential, and embodied 
in his various institutions ; and to embrace from their 
model most of the disciplinary and organic portions of 
his 0A\Ti system. It led, no doubt, to the idea of the 
societies which he established, and which became so 
important an element in his work, and so mighty an 
instrumentality in the progress of religion ; — all these 
things, so vital in Methodism, were, evidently, more or 
less, connected with his partial union with the Moravian 
Church in Georgia. He had, indeed, formed a small soci- 
ety, as he calls it, in Oxford, in 1729; but this consisted 
of members of the University only ; and though religious 
exercises were connected with their meetings, yet they par- 
took very much of a literary character. The first Method- 
ist society ever formed among the people, and for their 
benefit, was in Georgia. On this subject, he says, under 
date 



340 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

" Saturday, April l7th. — Not finding as yet any door open for the 
pursuing our main design, Ave considered in what manner we might 
be most useful to the little flock at Savannah. And we agreed, 1 . 
To advise the more serious among them to fonii themselves into a 
sort of ' little society,' and to meet once or twice a week, in order to 
reprove, instruct, and exhort one another. 2. To select out of these 
a smaller number for a more intimate union with each other ; which 
might be forwarded, partly by conversing singly with each, and 
partly by inviting them all together to our house. And this ac- 
cordingly we determined to do every Sunday in the afternoon." — 
Wesley's Works, vol. i. p. 30. 

Accordingly, in his " Short History of the People called 

Methodists," we find him saying, — 

" On Monday, May 1st, 1738, our little society began in London. 
But it may be observed, the first rise of Methodism, so called, was 
in November, 1729, when four of us met together at Oxford; the 
second was at Savannah, in April, 1736, when twenty or thirty per- 
sons met at my house ; the last was in London, on this day, Avhen 
forty or fifty of us agreed to meet together every Wednesday eve- 
ning, in order to a free conversation, begun and ended with singing 
and prayer. In all our steps" (he means in this last organization) 
" we were greatly assisted by the advice and exhortations of Peter 
Bohler, an excellent young man, belonging to the society commonly 
called Moravians." 

It is evident from this that the first Methodist society, in 
the popular sense of the expression — that is, a society of the 
people themselves — was formed by John Wesley himself in 
America. The historical fact is interesting, though no 
doubt the "little society" soon became extinct on Mr. 
Wesley's departure, Whitefield, indeed, laboured in these 
parts afterwards, and founded his celebrated Orphan- 
House ; but it was not the practice of this eminent preacher 
to institute or foster societies. Conceiving his mission to 
be rather prophetic than pastoral, he contented himself 
with the delivery of his message, without attempting to 
constitute church organizations. The effect of this has 
been disastrous to the permanency of his work. The 
mighty impression made by his powerful ministry often 
evaporated, like " the dew of the morning," for the want 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 341 

of a conserving power in tlie form of religious societies. 
When this was not the case, as in individual awakenings 
and conversions, the parties were obliged to seek commu- 
nion in otter churches ; so that their numbers were swell- 
ed, and their power greatly increased, by the itinerant 
labours of this eminent man. 

We are naturally interested in the religious history of 
Savannah, where, as we see, the first popular Methodist 
society was formed. The traditions of the place respecting 
Mr. Wesley would be interesting, and probably not favour- 
able either to his fair name or his cause. He had greatly 
oflfended the people by his rigorous conduct in relation to 
the rubrics, canons, and services of the Church ; insisting 
on baptizing their children by immersion, and compelling 
them to observe the very letter of the law on all points of 
ceremony. This would have been sufficiently burdensome 
in an old, well-trained parish ; but in a new place, made up 
of emigrants from every quarter, of every kind of senti- 
ment, and, it is to be supposed, of somewhat lax habits, 
such sort of discipline became^ intolerable. He gives the 
following account himself : — 

" Observing much coldness in Mr. C 's (probably Mr. Causton, 

the chief magistrate of Savannah) behaviour, I asked the reason of 
it. He answered, ' I like nothing you do. All your sermons are 
satires upon particular persons, therefore I will never hear you 
more ; and all the people are of my mind, for we Avon't hear ourselves 
abused. Besides, they say they are Protestants : but as for you, they 
cannot tell what religion you are of They never heard of such a 
religion before. They do not know Avhat to make of it. And then 
your private behaviour : all the quarrels that have been here since 
you came have been long of you. Indeed, there is neither man nor 
woman in the town who minds a word you say. And so you may 
preach long enough ; but nobody will come to hear yon.' " 

There is no doubt much exaggeration and passion in 
this, but some truth. Mr. Wesley was now " under the 
law;" his preaching and entire conduct, public and pri- 
vate, were such as to produce exasperation. A conviction 
of sin, without any antidote, any remedy — law without 



342 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

gospel — can only irritate, produce wounds which it cannot 
heal. 

It is possible that the traditions of the place may- 
have something to do with the antipathy manifested 
against Methodism, as related by its historian. Dr. Bangs. 
He says : — 

" After hard toiling, they finally succeeded, by soliciting aid from 
various parts of the country, in erecting a house of worship in 1812, 
which was dedicated to the service of Almighty God by Bishop As- 
bury, and Avas called Wesley Chapel. This took place about seventy- 
five years after the town was visited by John Wesley ; and the spu-it 
which vented itself in opposition to him seems to have descended to 
their posterity, and shown itself in similar acts of hostility to his fol- 
lowers : yet, by patient perseverance in well-doing, this prejudice 
has been measurably overcome, and the cause of Methodism has 
taken firm stand in Savannah, and is exerting a salutary influence 
on its citizens." 

Yet this " salutary influence" seems very limited to this 
day. Dr. Pierce, who is well acquainted with Savannah 
and the whole of Georgia, told me that the society and 
congregation still remained very meagre ; that the opposi- 
tion to Methodism is still most decided ; that the people 
continued to worship in a small and poor place, the one 
probably above referred to ; and that, altogether, the work 
continues in a depressed and languishing state. 

But notAvithstanding this hostility of Savannah, we find 
that Georgia, in general, has received the gospel at the 
hands of the followers of John Wesley on a pretty large 
scale. 

We have the following in connexion with this Confer- 
ence: — Emory College, Aug. B. Longstreet, Alexander 
Means, George W. Lane, 0. L. Smith, William I. Parks, 
Agent for Emory College. 

It is gratifying to find another of these institutions, and 
so well and efficiently manned with officers. But we have 
another minute : Thomas C. Stanley, chaplain in the United 
States' navy. I heard that this is a sinecure. The gentle' 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 343 

man occupying this post is required to make a sham voyage 
or two, to qualify himself for the office of chaplain of the 
United States' navy ; but when the post is attained, very 
little duty is expected. As chaplain, Mr. Stanley is not re- 
quired to go to sea ; his quarters are somewhere on shore ; 
and if he performs any duty at all, it is in connexion with 
some dockyard or naval station. 

The design in noticing this appointment is not, however, 
to point out these circumstances, but to show hoAv Method- 
ism stands with respect to the State. At Washington we 
found a minister of this Church occupying the position of 
chaplain to the Congress, and now we find another chap- 
lain to the United States' navy. The good people of Eng- 
land would be astonished if the Gazette should announce 
that some Methodist preacher was appointed chaplain in 
the royal navy, having his residence at Deptford, with pay, 
rations, and rank as an officer ; and, moreover, having the 
right to be saluted as such by every jack-tar and sentinel 
on duty. This would look strange indeed. Such is the 
difference betwixt the position of Methodism in America 
and in England. We say nothing respecting which is 
right and which is wrong ; but the difference is palpable 
enough. 

XIII. The Florida Conference follows that of Georgia. 
We find in this ecclesiastical boundary four districts, 
namely, Quincy, Tallahassee, Neiunansville, and St. 
Marys : thirty-three stations, circuits, and missions, thirty- 
two ministers, with seventy-four local preachers ; and six 
thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine church-members, 
two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six of whom are 
people of colour. 

It will be seen by these numbers, that no very great pro- 
gress has been made in Florida. This will be accounted 
for by the fact, that this region was originally colonized by 
the Spaniards ; and the bulk of the population must, to 



344 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

this day, be of that nation. These people are, wherever 
found, ignorant, besotted, superstitious Roman Catho- 
lics. Their superstition, indeed, seems to be a part of 
themselves. It is a question whether there exists a single 
church of real evangelical Spanish Christians in any part of 
the world. Whether they are paying the penalties due to 
infinite justice and outraged humanity, for the crimes of 
the Inquisition ; whether Popery has so seized all the pow- 
ers of their intellectual and moral nature, by its traditions, 
dogmas, and confessional, as to render them incapable of 
receiving the truth of God ; or whether the Spaniard is 
naturally and essentially a superstitious animal — seems 
difficult to say. But in the whole world, wherever he is 
found, he is true to his idolatry. Had we the complete 
history of the case before us, no doubt it would be found 
that the Popery of Florida had, as in other places, proved 
impervious even to the energetic zeal of American Me- 
thodism. 

We present the result of our inquiries with respect to 
the several conferences on this line of coast, in a tabular 
view. 

All the following tables contain, in the difterent columns, 
an enumeration of the conferences, districts, circuits, (in- 
cluding stations and missions,) ministers, supernumeraries, 
local 2)reachers, and members. 

Conferences. Dist. Circuits. Ministers. Local Pr. Members. 

Maine 6 162 161 167 20,448 

New-Hampshire 3 78 81 64 10,448 

New-England . . 3 117 108 76 13,381 

Providence .... 3 112 112 72 14^429 

New- York 8 216 254 220 46,748 

New-Jersey ... 6 112 152 194 29,590 

Philadelphia . . 6 112 156 208 40.289 

Baltimore 8 140 229 280 68^725 

Virginia 6 77 96 165 28,457 

North Carolina 5 58 75 139 20,308 

South Carolina 6 75 108 Not given 65,160 

Georgia 8 102 126 Not given 57.161 

Florida 4 33 32 74 6,729 

72 1,394 1,690 1,659 405,541 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 345 

Two facts appear on the face of this tabular view : the 
first is, that the number of local preachers in these confer- 
ences, as compared with the same class of agents in this 
country, is very small. How this is to be accounted for, I 
do not exactly know ; but believe that the American Me- 
thodists support a regular ministry on a much larger scale 
than is done in this country. For instance : in the English 
Minutes for 1848, we have reported, as the aggregate num- 
ber of members in England, 338,861 ; short of the numbers 
on the Atlantic seaboard conferences, by 66,680. In con- 
nexion with these 338,861 members in England, we have 886 
ministers engaged ; while the pastoral oversight of 405,541 
members in these American conferences engages 1,690 
ministers, which is nearly double the ratio among ourselves. 

The second fact is, that two or three of the confer- 
ences in the slave States present a much greater number 
of members, taking population as the rule, white and 
coloured, than any other. This throws some gleams of 
light upon the state of things, and holds out the promise 
that at some period or another, if the gospel itself does not 
become enslaved, a change will take place, and Christianity 
will enfranchise this class of our fellow-believers in the 
rights of freedom. 

This territorial extension, we must recollect, is not an 
ideal thing, a scheme to be accomplished, a project exist- 
insf in the brain, or in the books and calculations of some 
theorist ; a platform or basis on which to erect a building. 
It is a reality, a positive occupancy of four hundred thou- 
sand square miles of country by the institutions of a living 
Church. But how occupied ? By men holding this parti- 
cular faith in the numbers specified. Men constitute the 
power of the Church, as they do that of the State. In case 
these persons are really imbued with the spirit of true 
religion ; with the great conceptions of the gospel ; with a 
strong and vivid faith in the divinity of Christianity, and 
its high and glorious destiny ; — if they are so actuated, can 



346 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART iV. 

they live in the midst of the general population without 
producing a mighty impression ? But are these individuals 
so influenced, so actuated ? If activity in religion, devoted- 
:ness to its interests, self-denying exertions and sacrifices, 
costly contributions and zealous support, are evidence of a 
profound conviction, then they certainly present this proof 
of sincerity and sound faith. 

But we have not only men devoted to God and his cause, 
but institutions calculated in every Avay to consolidate this 
living thought, this active piety. Institutions are essential 
to the stability and permanency of any interest ; and with- 
out them the work of the mind, and even the feelings and 
sentiments of religion, must soon evaporate. There have 
been, at different times and places, noble fruits of religious 
feeling ; blessed visitations from Grod ; profound movements 
on the minds and hearts of large masses of men : but, for 
the want of suitable institutions, all this has passed away, 
sometimes in one generation. 

We may judge pretty accurately of the probable desti- 
nies and progress of a people by their organizations. 
Everything which has obtained any footing or strength in 
the world, has gained these advantages by these means. 
That which has distinguished Methodism in all places is, 
among other things, its uniform and universal attempt to 
institute means for the consolidation and progress of its 
work. It never reckons on anything permanently useful, 
except with the preaching of the gospel it can establish its 
polity. 

This, it must be confessed, is wise, and in perfect agree- 
ment with the primitive practice of the Church, as well as 
with the analogies furnished from other quarters. But it 
is one of the conditions of our state that things in them- 
selves good, proper, and even divine, by excess become 
mischievous. The Church has invariably, in all ages, ruined 
itself. And the ruin has generally approached through an 
excess of tinkering at its polity. Institutions, in the begin- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 347 

ning both Cliristian and necessary, have become, in the 
hands of thoughtless, often of designing, occupants, snug, 
tight, circumscribed things ; the centres of power, instead 
of hght ; the means of oppression, instead of blessing ; the 
machinery of depression, of suppression, and of immoderate 
and universal control, instead of expansion and progress. 
Whilst institutions are retained in their freshness, purity, 
and vigour, they are of infinite service ; but when they lose 
these qualities, and become the instruments of selfishness 
and ambition, they not only lose their power for good, but 
they become absolutely ruinous. 

In passing, it may be as well to say, that in a system of 
religion such as ours, in which Societies, Committees, Con- 
ferences, and all manner of institutions are so much in use, 
a danger will arise, perhaps has arisen. There is the dan- 
ger of trusting in them. This cannot be done without such 
an affront being offered to God as must cause him to frown, 
to perplex, to chasten, and, if persisted in, to forsake. 
There is the danger of destroying individual power, intelli- 
gence, and activity. The tendency of government by insti- 
tutions is to cut all men down to one common level, to make 
them Avork within the limits of some miserable line of cir- 
cumvallation, and to press them within the dimensions of 
the canons and laws of the institute. Hence, in this state 
of things, there is no scope for faith, for any teaching of 
God, for any inspirations of love, any bursts of ardent zeal. 
The best men are those who creep along the line, who 
serve God and their generation by the human canons thus 
prepared, who study their duties, not in the light of Scrip- 
ture, the visions of eternity, the great designs of the gos- 
pel, or the miseries, groans, and dangers of a suffering 
world ; but in that of the code, the pandects of a society. 
All this is mischievous, is absolutely destructive. Insti- 
tutions ought to be a focus of diffusive light and intelli- 
gence, not of darkness and death ; they ought to contain in 
them the pulse, not of stagnation, but of life, beating con- 



348 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

stantly, and sending out its vitality to every part of the 
body; they ought to encourage and foster everything spi- 
ritual, pious, holy, designed for the spread of truth, and 
the evangelization of the world, and not discourage and 
quench the zeal of good men. By some means, a Church 
ought to possess two great elements at the same time, — 
order and liberty. Institutions which secure order without 
giving liberty, gain their point, so far as this one thing is 
considered ; but it is the order of death. Thought, genius, 
principle, faith, love ; — all, in fact, which makes the man, 
or constitutes the Christian, is buried in one grave ; and 
then the inactivity is called " order." It is, indeed, order 
with a witness ! So is the silence of the churchyard. The 
dead trouble nobody, except the affrighted child and wo- 
man, who, as they trip along in the dusk of the evening* 
imagining the appearance of a ghost, " whistle to keep their 
courage up." 

These sons of order and men of business in Christianity 
are always a second-rate set. They are never found guilty 
of a noble conception, a fine flow of feehng, a generous sym- 
pathy, an heroic act. Whether their one idea has origin- 
ated in themselves, or whether it is the offspring of another 
brain, (which is generally the case,) they are a perfect uni- 
ty. The idea is the man, find him where you may, and the 
man is the idea. Let this man of business be followed any- 
where, and he is still at his task. He gives his jaded soul 
no respite. He is poring at his accounts, mending his ma- 
chinery, examining how his appliances will answer, trying 
whether he can fit in some new stave to the wheel ; and, 
with all his dexterity, is ever endeavouring to make his grap- 
pling-irons sharp, and long enough to reach and torment 
everybody. ''What, then," it is exclaimed, "are we to 
have no order ?" Yes ; such order as comports with the 
development of the faculties, the exercise of all the graces 
of religion, the supremacy of the word of God. The laws 
of God are all true and exact ; but they are so made to 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 349 

operate as to give expansion to every created thing, up to 
the full elevation of its nature. The institutions of the 
Church ought to embrace this principle. It is infinitely- 
better to have some disorder, with piety and life, than to 
have the most perfect order without progress. 

Every one of the things above mentioned, may be consi- 
dered in the light of an institution. Each building, called 
a church in America, is secured to the people by law ; 
while these people themselves will be found to exist as a 
little community, with their rights, duties, and interests all 
defined and represented, and, moreover, managed by com- 
petent officers. A station, a circuit, or a mission, is not a 
place of resort for a migratory tribe of rambling religion- 
ists, who just assemble now and then, as inclination or 
caprice may dictate. One of these ecclesiastical depart- 
ments — parishes they would be called in ancient times — 
is, in fact, an organization for promoting the service of God 
on the one part, and the spiritual happiness of the people 
on the other. We see that there are thirteen hundred of 
these institutions scattered up and down in this portion of 
the American population. These centres of living Chris- 
tians, of gospel light, of inteUigent piety, of active zeal 
and aggressive energy, cannot be without power. In fact, 
it is at this point that we must look for the real, the living 
influence of the system. Other arrangements may blend 
the masses, link the separate societies together, lock the 
arms of the trees into one immense and widely extended 
forest ; but the real life and force of the organization will 
be found to exist in the several stations and circuits. 
AVhilst these belong to the whole Church, to the great 
aggregation, they are free in their individual action. From 
their union with the body, they derive encouragement and 
moral support, as is always the case when societies feeble 
in themselves inhere in some large and vigorous confedera- 
tion ; but then they possess a capacity for much separate 
usefulness from their individual freedom. 



360 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

We have only to look at this question by the light of 
other interests. In case some general theory or doctrine, 
of political or any other science, had succeeded in organiz- 
ing for its support and propagation some thirteen hundred 
separate institutions, with three parts of a million of the 
people ; whilst these people devoted their intelligence, 
their labour, and a good portion of their wealth, for the 
support and extension of this cause, should we not imagine 
it to possess great advantages, and the prospect of perma- 
nent success ? So it is, as we think, with these churches. 
They rest on a solid basis, they have become a part of 
the spiritual and moral life of society, they are dovetailed 
into its other arrangements, they belong to the soil itself, 
they communicate and receive nutriment from all things 
around them, and they are rendered vital by the truth 
which is in them. 

We generally speak of the institutions of a Church as 
something distinct from the Church itself; whereas, the 
view just given supposes any local church to be a religious 
institution. And yet it must be conceded, that some things 
connected with the Church look like institutions growing 
out of its organization. What is either the district or the 
conference but nn offshoot of this sort ? Of course, we 
speak of the conference proper, the assembly of ministers, 
and not of the topical use of the term as applied to territory. 
This conference is an institution of the Church, contrived 
as an organ of its action, under certain conditions. But the 
Church might exist without it, just as an empire might ex- 
ist under one chief, instead of being organized under king, 
lords, and commons. 

The tendency, nay, the very genius, of Methodism, is to 
build institutions upon the truth it holds. In some sort, it 
is a religion of institutions ; it finds an organization for every 
purpose ; it deposits everything in an institution. Its doc- 
trines, so far as man is concerned in their conservation, are 
intrusted to the care of institutions ; its church-membership 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 351 

is an incorporation founded on rules and laws ; its ministers 
constitute a common brotherhood, resting- on reciprocal 
rights, all defined and understood ; its government is in the 
hands of various bodies, either bearing the name or analo- 
gous to committees or conferences. The world is not more 
fully and completely parcelled out into governmental de- 
partments, whether named counties, parishes, hundreds, 
tithings ; and these, again, are not more perfectly pervaded 
with various centres of anthority and power, for purposes 
of administration and government, than is Methodism. It 
is not a religious opinion loosely floating on the breeze ; it 
is not a random and eccentric flow of feeling and zeal ; it is 
not a wide-spread moral wave, ebbing and flowing with the 
seasons ; it is not the casual and disconnected existence of 
many thousands of enthusiastic people, flying here and 
there through society, like George Fox and the old Friends, 
delivering their*testimony, and then departing, No ; it is 
not this. In its best state it is full of feeling, of energy, 
of faith, of holiness, of good works. It is soul as well as 
body. It is animated by a living, thrilling, beating pulsa- 
tion of piety. Its love is of the most ethereal as well as 
practical kind ; embracing the Saviour and the souls of men. 
But, then, while Methodism is spirit and life, it has shown 
itself to be wise and judicious ; inasmuch as it has every- 
where done its best to render its truths, its spirit, and its 
work permanent, by connecting the whole with appropri- 
ate institutions. 

Then, in looking at the territorial position and power of 
Methodism in the States we have had under review, a most 
inadequate conception on the subject would be attained, if 
the mere numbers of the people were alone regarded. 
This would be to consider them an unarmed and helpless 
set of savages ; like the Indian tribes, to be driven from 
their territorial possessions by the force and influence of 
some future aggressive movement of Christianity. Their 
connexion with the country is of a very different nature 



352 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

to this. They have taken root in the soil, in the social 
state. Men die off, human life is a fleeting vapour, gene- 
rations pass away ; but institutions outlive these ravages of 
time. 

But they not only continue, they collect around them, — 
they rather embrace vt^ithin their enclosure neAV generations 
as they come into being. Individual man, in his isolation, 
solitude, and sorrows, looks abroad for some resting-place, 
and is glad to connect himself with a Church which 
promises him permanent help and guidance in his passage 
to eternity. In some sense, truth, knowledge, religious 
ideas and sentiments, — which are embedded in permanent 
institutions, — may be said to be fastened to society, as the 
trees of the forest to their earthy home. It is true, all this 
may exist in a very inert and lifeless state, as has often 
been the case ; and yet, when the seed is found in the 
earth, there is some chance that the genial* rains and sun- 
shine of heaven may reach and bring it to maturity ; where- 
as, if not there at all, these powers of nature could not 
dravf forth the ear or ripen the harvest. Where institu- 
tions are not established, everything depends on individual 
character and exertions ; and when living men are not 
found to maintain and propagate the truth, it must be alto- 
gether banished ; but Avhen they exist, though in them- 
selves insufficient, yet still a basis is found, a testimony is 
borne, a standard continues unfurled ; and, although the 
depression may remain through a long and dreary winter, 
yet still, in time, a season of " refreshing will come from 
the presence of the Lord." 

The point of interest, then, is, that, besides the thousands 
of living men professing the Methodist faith on the Atlantic 
seaboard, these people have adopted means to conserve 
and propagate their doctrines ; to carry on a constant 
aggressive evangelization amongst the unconverted and 
thoughtless ; to promote and extend, by the vigorous use 
of the press, their sentiments and views on religious ques- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 353 

tions ; and to raise the standard of intelligence and know- 
ledge by a collegiate course of education ; and then to 
govern and du-ect the whole to a good and useful practical 
result, by a minute and local or a general system of govern- 
ment, as the case may be. This form of Methodism shows 
that it has taken root in the country, and is not likely soon 
to be destroyed. For good or for evil, this form of the 
Christian faith is likely to remain an element of American 
society in all time to come. Its principles, its men, its or- 
ganization, and its institutions, must have their share in 
fashioning the destinies of the American people. A wild 
outburst of religious effervescence will soon be over ; and, 
like the course of the vessel on the sea, no trace be left be- 
hind in a very short period. This has been considered the 
character and the destiny of Methodism by many erroneous 
and bigoted observers. Its history has not shown it to be 
of this ephemeral nature anywhere ; and whatever may be 
its destiny in the Old World, most assuredly it is not likely 
to have this fate in the New. 

In the aspect in which we are considering it, the Method- 
ist Church is now favoured beyond anything we can con- 
ceive by the conditions of the country. In establishing 
territorial institutions, it will be seen at once, that the sue ■ 
cess must depend very much upon the occupancy or the 
non-occupancy of the soil. Where a territorial Church is 
found with prescriptive rights, ecclesiastical an-angements, 
embracing the whole country, a numerous clergy, strong 
public prejudices in its favour, and a long traditional ce- 
lebrity, — where all this is found, it is evident that a new 
territorial organization must meet with great obstructions 
in its progress. Nothing of this sort existed, in the com- 
mencement of Methodism, at all in some parts of America, 
and in the old States only to a very limited degree. 

What, then, in this state of things, should prevent 
Methodist institutions from obtaining a permanent footing 
in a country so cbcumstanced ? In themselves they possess 



354 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

a conservative principle, which tends to consolidation ; so 
that the only question is, as to whether they are adapted 
to the civil state, the genius of the people, the spirit of the 
age, and the wants of the country. Religion, it is true, as 
a di\ine and spiritual dispensation, will continue in all its 
freshness and glory forever, in despite of anything exter- 
nal and human. But it is different with organizations. 
These must be adapted to the circumstances adverted to, 
or otherwise they will be abandoned by the people, and, 
as a consequence, decay. For the want of this principle 
of adaptation, many great combinations of social, political, 
and religious power have fallen beneath the pressui'e of 
changes and revolutionary tendencies, which the progress 
of time and events has rendered inevitable. As this has 
been the fate of so many massive edifices, it is but too pos- 
sible that, at some time or another, it will be the case with 
the polity of this Church. But this day has not yet ar- 
rived, and is not likely soon to appear. 

One of the main features of our system hitherto has been 
its power of adaptation, its elastic spring. This, again, 
arises from keeping clear of divine-right theories and max- 
ims in matters which have been left as indifferent. Method- 
ism holds nothing but the truth, the gospel itself, as pro- 
perly divine. Ha\ing never considered one of its conclaves, 
like a Popish council, as in possession of inspired w^isdom, 
it has never held that the decrees of these bodies are in- 
fallible, and consequently divine. Popery has split on this 
rock. Its infallibility, it is true, has been a great power in 
its hands : it has done prodigious service in its time. But 
it entirely annihilates the principle of adaptation, except by 
evasions. The papacy is fastened to this dogma ; it cannot 
alter, and must, sooner or later, be destroyed. This free- 
dom is one of the safeguards, as well as one of the mightiest 
instruments of Christianity itself. Holding the doctrines of 
the gospel firmly, tenaciously, faithfully ; yet still we con- 
sider ourselves at perfect liberty respecting the mode and 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 355 

means of making them known. The conduits, the pipes by 
which the waters of Hfe are conveyed to an arid world, 
have never been confounded with the waters themselves. 
By just adhering to this simple maxim, a freedom of action 
is secured, that enables the Chm'ch to do the work of the 
Lord in any place, and in the midst of every variety of con- 
dition in which a people may be found. 

But the aggressive spirit of the system is admirably fitted 
to meet the wants of a new country. This one character- 
istic has carried it to its present point of progress, and must 
carry it much farther. Besides, a body which is always 
in motion must possess the habit of activity. Nothing can 
be well stagnant in a Church which is constantly ebbing 
and flowing, like the tides of the ocean, by reason of its 
itinerancy. But this wonderfully agrees with the American 
spirit. To aim at progress, onward adventure, new acqui- 
sitions, greater scope, imexplored territory, are the very 
elements of American character. These passions and tastes 
seem almost to belong to his being, to be a part of himself. 
What kind of church-order or ministry can be so perfectly 
fitted to meet all this as an itinerant system? The two 
things might have been made for each other, they so ad- 
mirably fit. Even the episcopacy of the Church is con- 
ceived in the same spirit. The Methodist bishop is, of all 
men, full of enterprise, and is constantly in motion. He is a 
bishop that he may oversee. Instead of being confined to 
any particular locality, he is found everywhere, to the very 
extremities of the country, seeking the scattered flock of 
Christ, and looking diligently after those who are within 
the fold. The distant prairies and settlements of the " far 
west," the wigwams of the Indians in their far-off territories, 
the huts and the plantations occupied by the negro race — 
all witness the presence and labours of the bishop. His 
business is to lead on the militant host of God's elect to 
new enterprises and labours. His prerogatives are not de- 
signed to exact obedience, to subdue and intimidate, but to 



356 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

inspirit to fresh zeal and devotion to the cause of God. It 
is not his caUing to " eat the flesh and warm himself in the 
wool of the flock," but to go before them in the wilderness, 
allure them to green pastures, and ''feed them with the 
finest of the wheat." Thus, as far as can be perceived, the 
institutions of this Church, and the wants and spirit of the 
country, are in perfect harmony. Only let the truth and 
Spirit of God imbue and live in these institutions, and then 
they are not only safe from decay, but they must accom- 
plish their purpose in diff'using true religion and virtue 
through the entire country for ages and generations to 
come. 

II.— THE HUDSON AND LAKE LINE. 

In prosecuting our territorial survey of the Methodist 
Church, we now enter upon the line of the Hudson and 
the Lakes. By an examination of the map, it will be seen 
that this marks out a distinct portion of the States, and 
furnishes a convenient division for our purpose. 

In passing from the seacoast into the interior, by this 
route, the results will be found much the same as on the 
Atlantic line. The country itself is amongst the most beau- 
tiful and fertile portions of the States. Many parts of it 
are highly cultivated ; fine arable and meadow land, water- 
ed, as is usual in America, by innumerable rivers and 
streams, everywhere meets the eye ; hills of every eleva- 
tion, covered with trees and foliage, rich with various hues 
and fragrance, rise to adorn the landscape ; and as far as 
such a fact can be attested by appearances, a thriving and 
happy population is rapidly filling the country. 

All this territory is occupied by the Methodist Church. 
Its enterprising evangelists have entered every open door. 
A little time ago the whole presented the aspect of a mis- 
sion, an enterprise, a trial for occupancy; but now the 
Church presents the appearance of a quiet, peaceful, and 
settled power. Along this line, and the country adjacent, 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 357 

it will be found, on examination, that a complete ecclesias- 
tical organization has been formed, and that the ministry 
and religious ordinances of the body pervade the entire 
country; and, moreover, as the system is everywhere 
voluntary, it follows that great numbers of the people be- 
long to the community, else its institutions could not exist. 

I. About six miles north of Albany stands the city of 
Troy, which gives its name to a conference. Why Troy, 
instead of Alban}^ should have been fixed upon, when the 
latter is the metropolitan city of the State of New- York, 
and much larger than Troy, it is difficult to say. 

Connected with the Troy Conference we find seven dis 
tricts, — Troy, Albany, Saratoga, Poultney, Burlington, 
Plattshurgh, St. Allan's ; one hundred and thirty-eight 
stations, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and ninety 
ministers, with one hundred and thirty-eight local preach- 
ers ; twenty-five thousand three hundred and twenty-seven 
church-members ; ninety-seven only of whom are people of 
colour. 

We find the following stations : — Troy Conference Aca- 
demy, J. T. Peck, principal ; R. Q. Mason, teacher. The 
above Dr. Jesse T. Peck is brother of Dr. George Peck, 
now editor of the Christian Advocate, and is a gentleman 
of fine talents and much energy. He was chosen one of 
the secretaries of the last General Conference at Pitts- 
burgh, and discharged its duties with excellent tact and 
ability. 

The work in this locality commenced in ITSS. I find 
a conference was held in Albany in 1791 ; but the term 
" conference," at that time, does not seem to indicate a 
territorial di\'ision — a diocese — but simply a meeting of 
preachers, for the transaction of business. 

II. The Vermont Conference is the next in topographi- 
cal order in our line. This is a small ecclesiastical section, 



358 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

and only embraces a few places. We have three districts; 
namely, Montpelier, Danville, Springfield : sixty-four sta- 
tions, circuits, and missions ; seventy-one ministers, with 
forty-six local preachers ; and seven thousand nine hundred 
and fifty-three church-members. 

We have the following appointment noted : H. C. Wood, 
Principal of the Springfield Wesleyan Seminary. 

Methodism was introduced into this State in 1*794. 

III. We now come to the Black River Conference. 
In connexion with this conference we have six districts ; 
namely, Rome, Syracuse, Oswego, Adams, Water town, and 
Pottsdam : ninety-three stations, circuits, and missions ; one 
hundred and thirteen ministers, with one hundred and forty - 
five local preachers ; and fifteen thousand nine hundred 
and seventeen church-members ; twenty only being people 
of colour. 

It will be seen that this conference, like that of Tro)^ 
does not take its name from any State ; and, to a stranger, 
there is some difficulty in fixing its exact locality. Tlie 
names of the stations are so curious, and so few of them 
can be found on the best maps, that were it not just for the 
discovery of one or two of the most prominent, one might 
be left in the dark altogether respecting this Black River 
Conference. 

Black River empties itself into Lake Ontario, and flows 
in a somewhat northerly direction from the interior of the 
State of New-York. Sackett's Harbor, one of the stations 
of this conference, is nearly opposite Kingston, on the 
Canadian side of Lake Ontario, as are Mexico and Oswego, 
two other stations. This ecclesiastical division of the terri- 
tory of the State of New- York skirts the above beautiful 
lake at a point which brings the American and Canadian 
bodies into pretty close contiguity to each other. We know 
of no bitterness or strife ; all is harmony and concord be- 
twixt the two Churches. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 359 

The numbers found on this conference division, — fifteen 
thousand nine hundred and seventeen, — ^just at a point 
where the northern extremity of the State of New- York 
abuts upon the Ontario Lake, and exactly opposite to the 
Canadian shore, indicate a fact which has been before 
referred to, and may be worth looking at again. It relates 
to the contrast in population and progress in the two coun- 
tries. It will be found, on examination, that, in the same 
space in Canada which is occupied by this Black River 
Conference, there are scarcely as many hundreds of mem- 
bers as there are thousands on the American side. How 
is this ? Certainly not because the Canadian preachers are 
less laborious, or that there is a less disposition in the peo- 
ple to embrace their doctrines and fellowship. The case 
is to be accounted for on a perfectly different principle ; 
namely, the wonderful difference betwixt the population, 
the activity, and the progress of the American State, as 
contrasted with the British colony. The soil, the climate — 
indeed, all the elements of social improvement, are as great 
on the Canadian side as on that of America ; but the differ- 
ence, in point of fact, is prodigious. 

It is not for us to speculate on the causes of this differ- 
ence. They are, however, easily seen and understood on 
the spot. We perceive, in this case, that population and 
Methodism in the States go on concurrently : considering 
the comparatively recent ingress of any large amount of peo- 
ple towards this frontier of the Union, it is amazing how 
great and mighty the amount of advancement they have 
made. The harbours and shores of these lakes — these 
inland seas — are being filled up by an energetic race, who are 
laying the foundations of an extended trade and commerce, 
only second to that which is seen on the Atlantic seaboard, 
or that which is carried on on the waters of the Mississippi. 
It is cheering to the philanthropist and the Christian to 
perceive, that this new population does not settle down in 
a state of heathenism. The preaching of the gospel, the 



360 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 



1 



ordinances of the Church, and the apphances of education 
and knowledge, are all finding their way, and becoming 
living elements of the growing and expanding civilization. 

We have no fewer than three notices of educational in- 
stitutions in this conference : — Mexico Academy, to be sup- 
plied ; Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, J. W. Armstrong ; 
John Dempster, Professor of Theology in the Methodist 
Biblical Institute, Concord, New-Hampshire. 

It was the writer's happiness to meet with Dr. Demp- 
ster at Pittsburgh. The Biblical Institute, of which he is 
the professor, in point of fact, is a theological college. It 
is the only institution of the kind in the United States in 
any way connected with the Methodist Chm*ch ; for, though 
at the colleges and universities many of the professors have 
theological classes, they have not yet thought it advisable 
to establish sep'&rate and exclusive theological schools. 
This is a subject which the American Methodist Church 
has not decided. It seems to be an open question among 
them, and not likely soon to be settled. It must not be 
inferred from this, that they are indifferent to theological 
learning. Their energetic support of educational institu- 
tions, and their practice of connecting theological classes 
and lectures with their college and university courses, most 
clearly show the contrary of this. The matter of fact is, 
that a very deep, indeed, enthusiastic, conviction of the 
advantages of instruction, and, moreover, of a well-trained 
ministry, exists almost universally amongst them. 

The only point on which there is any demiu- is, as to 
whether it is better, or the contrary, that the youth des- 
tined to the ministry should be educated in common with 
the rest of the Methodist community, availing themselves 
of the theological instruction provided, as above mentioned ; 
or, whether they should be separated altogether from the 
young community about them, and placed by themselves 
in a sort of monastic establishment. Much, it is clear, may 
be said on both sides of the question. The practice of 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 361 

separate theological institutions is that which, in this coun- 
try, has prevailed amongst the Dissenting and Noncon- 
formist bodies ; but it is not the practice of the national 
universities, whether in England, Scotland, or Ireland. In 
these great seminaries of learning the lay youth, and those 
who are designed for the ministry, are educated in common. 
There are no theological institutions having a national cha- 
racter : these all belong to the separate Christian sects. 
Which is the better system, it may be difficult to say ; and 
which turns out the greater men, it might be considered 
invidious to pronounce. There are obviously benefits pecu- 
liar to both modes ; but they must be different in their 
kind. To young men shut up from all contact with others, 
there is the advantage of preservation from the evils of bad 
example ; and then the discipline brought to bear upon 
them, can be much more stringent than* if they lived in 
common with others. But, on the other side, an educa- 
tional course in union with the lay youth of the community, 
and, for this reason, a much more numerous body, must 
tend to produce a more generous, manly, catholic, and 
national character than the other. Better denominational 
divines will be made, so far as sectarian theology is con- 
cerned, by a merely isolated education. When this is the 
main object, it is evident enough that separate schools, 
placed under strict surveillance, will be the best. But if 
the design is to expand the faculties, to produce generous 
and catholic feelings, to attach the soul to truth on a uni- 
versal scale, to make the youth a citizen of the nation, to 
strengthen his sympathies with all God's universe, — then 
an open education seems the thing. 

Whether a sound knowledge of theology can be attained 
in connexion with this general system, must be judged of 
by facts. Are old Thomas Jackson, Barrow, Pearson, 
Butler, divines of any learning and religious acquirements ? 
because they were educated and trained in the national 
universities, in common with the lay youth of their age. 

16 



362 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

Are Rutherford, Gillies, Chalmers, of the Scotch nation, 
theologians of any distinction ? for they were brought up 
in the open schools of their country. Are Usher, Skelton, 
Majree, of the Irish nation, names of anv consideration ? 
these also were educated in common with the laity. These 
are amongst the great teachers of the Christian Church. 
They belong to all parties, to all ages, to all nations. They 
are the instructors of all communities, and will be so to 
the end of time. But it would be unjust to the other side 
not to say, that the theological college system has pro- 
duced great names : Drs. Watts, Doddridge, and Pye 
Smith, will live as divines, and diffuse the fragrance of 
their pious and eminently useful labours through the 
Church, in all time to come. 

How the American Methodist Church may settle this 
question, and whether they will ever be led to adopt the 
plan of a separate theological training for their young min- 
isters, it is difficult to say. Besides the usual prejudices 
against an isolated and separate education, on the grounds 
of spoiling the students for enterprise, and the endurance 
of toil and hardship, — it strikes me that the nationalism 
of the American preachers will be found to stand in the 
way of the adoption of this system. These ministers are 
thorough citizens ; they feel themselves of the people ; 
they identify themselves fully and entirely with the nation ; 
and though they possess the ministerial office and function, 
yet there is little affectation of the clerical caste. I should 
say, that, next to piety to God, a full belief in Christianity, 
and the love of the Gospel, the leading characteristic of 
the American minister is, a full and perfect identification 
of feeling and principle with his country : it will be difficult 
to bring about any plans of instruction, in case they should 
be attempted, the tendency of which is in any way to alie fi- 
ate the minister from the citizen, the priest from the Ame- 
rican. It is clearly seen by these sagacious men that the 
institution of exclusively theological colleges, which should 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 363 

detach the youth of the Church from the body of the 
people, is, in spirit, directly opposed to the genius of 
general citizenship, and must tend to create a class whose 
feelings, tastes, and habits, will necessarily be, in some 
sort, sectarian. At any rate, at present, the idea has very 
little favour and countenance amongst either ministers or 
people. 

ly. The Oneida Conference joins that of Black River. 
It includes eight districts, — Cazenovia, Oneida, Chenango, 
Otsego, Neivaric, Cayuga, Susquehannah, and Wyoming : 
one himdred and twenty-seven stations, circuits, and mis- 
sions ; one hundred and sixty ministers, with two hundred 
and two local preachers ; and twenty-five thousand seven 
hundred and seventy-six church-members, eighty-six of 
whom are coloured people, and ninety Indians. 

We have the following appointments in this conference : 
— Henry Bannister, Principal of the Oneida Conference 
Seminary ; Edward Bannister, Professor ; Nelson Rounds, 
Editor of the Northern Christian Advocate ; Alonzo Wood, 
Chaplain of State Prison at Auburn ; R. Nelson, Principal 
of Wyoming Seminary. 

Here, then, we find the usual agencies at work. Two 
seminaries, one Christian Advocate, and one chaplain to a 
state prison. This does not look like an inefficient church 
system. 

V. The Genesee Conference abuts upon Oneida. We 
have nine districts belonging to this division of the country ; 
namely, Ontario, East Rochester, Genesee, Buffalo, Niagara, 
Rushford, Dansville, Wellshorough, and Seneca Lake : one 
hundred and fifty-nine stations, circuits, and missions ; one 
hundred and eighty-seven ministers, with two hundred and 
fifty-three local preachers; and twenty-six thousand six 
hundred and twenty-four church-members, fifty-eight of 
whom are coloured people. 



364 TOUR IN AMERICA. -PART IV. 

The manner of the commencement of the work in this 
part of the coiintrv, is given by tlie historian of Me- 
thodism : — 

"As early as 1792, Mr. Garrettson had travelled through various 
parts of this new country, preaching to the people in theu* log-houses, 
in barns, and often holding his quarterly-meetings under the foliage 
of trees. Aided as he was by those zealous young preachers, who 
entered this field of labour, he was instrumental in extending the 
gospel and its attendant blessings into these destitute places. By 
these means those societies were established which have continued 
to flourish and increase to the present time. Along the Mohawk 
River, as far as Utica, as well as the Chenango and Susquehaunah 
rivers, those pioneers of Methodism penetrated, and laid the founda- 
tion for those extensive revivals of religion which have blessed that 
region of the country. We may form some judgment of the good 
effects of these labours and sacrifices from the fact, that there were 
returned in the Minutes for this year, including Tioga, Wyoming, 
Saratoga, and Seneca circuits, eight hundred and ninety-two members 
of the Church. Had equal zeal been manifested at this early period 
in building suitable houses of worship, as the work enlarged with the 
progress of the settlements, Methodism would have taken a stand 
here more firmly, and have exerted a much more hallowed and ex- 
tensive influence over the population." — Bangs's '• History of Method- 
ism,''' vol. ii, pp. 66, 67. See Asbury, vol. iii, p. 293. 

Nothing can well be finer than the work above described. 
For the evangelist to place himself by the side of the ad- 
vancing population, to make himself one of them, to share 
their privations, — to enter their log-hiits with messages 
of mercy, — to hold his meetings for preaching and prayer 
under the spreading foliage of the trees of the wilderness ; 
— to encourage the woodman in his aggressions upon the 
forest, and the farmer in his efforts to turn up the virgin 
soil, for a first crop ; — then to see these primitive families 
erecting their altar, like Abraham in the desert, to the God 
of the lonely waste, as well as of the crowded city ; — to 
listen to the echoes of praise and prayer reverberating in 
the midst of solitudes, made vocal for the first time since 
time began ; — all this is infinitely beautiful. This was the 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 365 

work of that glorious evangelist, Freeborn Garrettson, and 
his young men. The seed they sowed has indeed sprung 
up, and produced a plentiful harvest, notwithstanding the 
somewhat mournful tone of our good friend Bangs about 
the "preaching-houses." How everything could have 
been done at once, it is diflBcult to divine. How great 
"preaching-houses" are to be built, whether in America 
or anywhere else, before there is a people to build them, 
or money to pay for them, one cannot well imagine. But 
it is always the fashion for the present to find fault with 
the past. Why were our forefathers so very foolish as to 
build such little paltry chapels, — " houses of worship," — 
as they did ? How much more rational and religious 
it would have been, if they had erected edifices which 
would have held, say, a couple of thousands ! Besides, 
these miserable little shabby temples only stand in the 
place of great ones ; just as a rotten tree, till it is blown 
down, fills the space which might be occupied by a grace- 
ful, majestic, blooming young son of the forest. 

This is the way people talk on this subject. But how 
the "preaching-houses" in the American wilderness were 
to be built, almost before the timber was felled, — certainly 
before the soil Avas cultivated, — is puzzling to know ; and 
how, nearer home, the spacious, elegant, costly edifice is to 
rise, except from a previous beginning, perhaps of a very 
humble and homely description, is equally difficult to com- 
prehend. Let not the great despise the little ; they would 
never have held their own elevated position, had not some- 
body laid the foundation. And let not the citizen gentle- 
man despise the woodman ; his city had never risen, had 
not the pioneer cleared the ground. 

VI. The Erie Conference. A narrow strip of country, 
belonging to the State of Pennsylvania, stretches to Lake 
Erie ; and a town, named after the lake, stands on this 
narrow neck of land. This ecclesiastical division contains 



366 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

six districts ; namely, Ravenna, Warren, Meadville, Erie, 
Jamestown, and FranJclin : eighty-five stations, circuits, 
and missions ; one hundred and twenty-eight ministers, 
with one hundred and ninety-three local preachers ; twenty 
thousand one hundred and forty-three church-members, 
fifty-eight of whom are people of colour. 

We have the usual appointments and agencies in this 
conference : — Asbury Seminary, G. B. Hawkins, Principal ; 
Alleghany College, G. W. Clark, Calvin Kingsley, Pro- 
fessors ; M. G. Briggs, Agent. 

Besides the north-western point of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, above referred to, this conference embraces portions 
of the New-York and Ohio States bordering on Pennsyl- 
vania. But the greatest point of interest is its connexion 
with Lake Erie. It was the author's privilege to touch at 
one of the most important stations, Cleveland, in this con- 
ference, and to witness, as in many other cases, the rapid 
development of the resources of the country. The harbour 
is both spacious and safe ; and the city presents a beautiful 
appearance from the water. The Cuyahoga River empties 
itself into the lake at this point ; and the Ohio canal termi- 
nates here. This city is destined to hold a high position 
amongst the cities of the lakes. 

VII. The North Ohio Conference joins that of Erie. 
This conference contains seven districts, — Delaware, Mount 
Vernon, Wooster, Norwalh, Tiffin, Maumee, Sidney: 
eighty stations, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and 
thirty-three ministers, with forty-two local preachers, and 
twenty-six thousand and forty-three church-members, fifty- 
six of whom are coloured people. 

We find the following special appointments : — Ohio Wes- 
leyan University, Edward Thompson, President ; H. M. 
Johnson, Professor ; E. B. Gurly, Agent. Baldwin Institute, 
Lorenzo Warner, Principal. Chaplain to Western Seamen's 
Friend Society for the port of Toledo, Thomas Cooper. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 367 

The above university, which is located at Delaware, was 
founded so recently as 1844. Dr. Thompson, like some 
other eminent men in the ministry, is an M. D., and has been 
selected for his present onerous post on account of his 
abilities and learnino-. The State of Ohio stretches from 
the river of that name to Lake Erie ; and this North Ohio 
Conference touches its beautiful waters. There remains 
much land still to "possess;" but the country is rapidly 
filling up with a thriving and prosperous population. 

VIII. The Michigan Conference is the next in our 
present line. This name, it is to be presumed, is taken from 
the State, and this latter from Lake Michigan. This con- 
ference gives us seven districts ; namely, Detroit, Ann Ar- 
bor, Marshall, Monroe, Kalamazoo, Grand River, and In- 
dian Mission : seventy-nine stations, circuits, and missions ; 
one hundred and eighteen ministers, with one hundred and 
ninety-one local preachers ; sixteen thousand and seventy- 
one church-members, eight of whom are coloured people. 

The special appointments are as follows : — John A. 
Baughman, Agent of the American Bible Society ; D. D. 
Whedon, Professor in the Michigan University ; F. C. Kin- 
near, Principal of the Wesleyan Seminary at Albion. 

Michigan University, in which Mr. Whedon is a profes- 
sor, is not a Methodist institution. It is located at Ann 
Arbor, and was founded so lately as ISSV. But the fact 
that this gentleman is appointed to his present office by 
the authorities of the university, shows that neither Method- 
ism nor its ministers occupy a low position in public esti- 
mation. 

IX. The North Indiana Conference unites "vvith the 
Michigan. This division contains nine districts, — Green- 
castle, Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Indianapolis, Centreville, 
Peru, Logansport, Zaporte, Fort Way7ie : eighty-six sta- 
tions, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and thirteen 



368 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

ministers, with two hundred and fifty-seven local preach- 
ers; and twenty-six thousand three hundred and two 
church- members : of this number there are fifty coloured 
people. 

We find the folloAving extra appointments : — Indiana 
Asbury University, William C. Larabee, Cyrus Nutt, Pro- 
fessors ; G. M. Beswick, W. H. Huffman, Agents ; B. F. 
Tefft, Editor of Ladies' Repository ; Aaron Wood, Agent 
of the American Bible Society. 

But though the Minutes report the above-named gentle- 
men as officers of Asbury University, by turning to the 
Indiana Conference we shall find four more appointments. 
The usage seems to be to place every minister in connexion 
with his own conference, let his official post be what it may. 
Hence a person may belong to a conference at any dis- 
tance, and yet have an appointment in one of the public 
institutions in another place. The four additional appoint- 
ments refeiTed to are, — Matthew Simpson, President of the 
Indiana Asbury University ; Isaac Owen, Agent for the 
Indiana Asbury University ; Greenlee H. M'Laughlin, 
Agent for the current expenses of the Indiana Asbury Uni- 
versity ; and William M. Daily, Agent for the Agricultural 
Professorship of the Indiana Asbury University. 

It seems that agricultural science is connected with this 
school. Looking at the business of farming as one of the 
permanent calHngs of a vast population, this will appear a 
suitable subject of study. Who can say that farming ought 
not to have the advantages of learning as well as other de- 
partments ? Why should not the exterior world engage the 
recondite investigations of gifted men ? Surely, there is 
enousfh in the business of agriculture to make it most de- 
sirable that all the productions of mother earth should be 
scientifically examined, classified, and used. 

Be this as it may, the functions of Dr. Simpson are of a 
diflferent order ; and no doubt he ably discharges his duty. 
Dr. Simpson is a man of mark. I had the privilege of 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. B. CHURCH. 369 

much friendly intercourse with this gentleman, and wit- 
nessed with great admiration the discharge of his public 
duties at the conference. He is a very able man in every 
way, and, being young, is likely, it is hoped, long to bless 
the Chui-ch and the world with the benefits of his valuable 
labours. 

X. We now come to the Rock River Conference, the 
last on this lake line. The district of country designated 
by this term, seems to lie betwixt the western shores of 
Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. It contains ten 
districts ; namely, Chicago, Ottawa, Washington, Peoriay 
Rock Island, Mount Morris, Platteville, Fonchdac Mission, 
Mihvaukie, and Racine : one hundred and seven stations, 
circuits, and missions ; one hundred and forty-one ministers, 
with three hundred and nineteen local preachers ; and 
eighteen thousand nine hundred and thirteen church-mem- 
bers, twenty-seven of whom are people of colour, and one 
hundred and sixty-one Indians. 

It cheers one at length to meet with some Indians. We 
have traversed a prodigious extent of country before over- 
taking any of them, except once. Here some of them are, 
it seems, driven to the extremity of the States, in this 
direction ; for this Rock River Conference joins the Wis- 
consin Territory ; indeed, embraces some of it : and, as the 
term indicates, it is a newly settled country, not yet formed 
into a State. When these Wisconsin people have filled the 
country, will any of the Indians remain ? It is certain they 
will not. What will be their fate, when the tide of popu- 
lation has reached the utmost limits of the country in the 
direction of the west ; when the inhabitants of the Atlantic 
shore, and those of the Pacific, are Unked together in one 
unbroken chain; it is fearful to think. They will not be 
pushed into the waters of the mighty deep ; but the 
pressure, like that of disease and age, will crush the last 
of their noble race to the earth. 

16* 



370 TOUK m AMERICA. — PART IV. 

We find the name of a station in this conference some- 
what famihar to the ears of Enghsh people ; but in a very 
different connexion : it is Nauvoo. Nauvoo, it will be re- 
membered, is, or was, the headquarters of the Mormonites ; 
who, on account of their fantastic and impious doctrines, 
have met, we are told, with no great favour from the Ame- 
rican people. They have been driven from this place, and 
are wandering- in various directions ; and amongst other 
locations which they have selected, the parliamentary de- 
bates lately taught us, that numbers of them were squatting 
in Vancouver's Island. We know not whether the good 
and zealous Methodist preachers occupied this post of duty 
before or after the dispersion of these poor, deluded Mor- 
monites. It is likely they rushed in amongst them for the 
purpose of seeking their conversion ; but, failing to accom- 
plish this, they now occupy the quarters from whence these 
obstinate blockheads have been driven. Would it not be 
as well, if a name can be found, to change the old one ? 

Having now passed through this interesting portion of 
territory, it may be proper, as in the case of the Atlantic 
seaboard, to give a tabular summary. 

Conferences. Dist. Circuits. Minist. Supernum. Local Pr. Members. 

Troy 7 138 174 16 133 25,327 

Vermont. ... 3 64 71 14 46 7,9.53 

Black River .. 6 93 113 11 145 15,917 

Oneida 8 127 160 27 202 25,776 

Genesee .... 9 159 187 32 253 26.682 

Erie 6 85 128 13 193 20J43 

North Ohio . . 7 80 133 8 242 # 26.043 

Michigan ... 7 79 118 10 193 16^544 

North Indiana 9 86 113 7 258 26,302 

Rock River . 10 107 141 20 319 20,143 

72 1,065 1,.343 153 1,984 210,790 

It is extremely difficult to say which portion of the 
United States is the more important, or promises to excel 
in permanent prosperity, when, in fact, the whole is so rich 
in promise. But there are two things which appear very 
favourable in the regions now under review ; namely, the 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 371 

climate and the lakes. It is in vain to deny that climate 
has anything to do with the characteristics of our race. 
Northern latitudes have always produced the most mus- 
cular, hard}', and masculine races. That some kind of in- 
telligence, such as develops itself in delicate, poetic, and 
refined sentiments, may be found in the more genial and 
luxuriant portions of the earth, will be allowed ; but the 
working and the governing races have always been found 
located in the midst of Borean tempests. The voluptuous 
south may cradle its generations of impassioned sons ; but 
the north will always produce the ruling class. This will 
probably be the course of ihings with the people we have 
been contemplating. They are, at present, but in their in- 
fancy of social life. Not more than something like one- 
third of the land belonoinor to the State of New-York is 
cleared, and even that not perfectly. Vast forests still 
await the v/oodman's stroke, and prodigious tracts of fruit- 
ful soil must some day reward the labours of the husband- 
man. This State is remarkably formed, probably at first 
without design, but in its effects very much for its own ad- 
vantage. Let the reader take a fan in his hand, just open 
it, and he has presented to him the form of the State of 
New-York. The narrow point which he holds in his hand 
is the city itself, and the spreading silk is the country 
stretching away to the lakes. The shores of these waters 
constitute the wide-spread circumference of the State. This 
is a great territorial and commercial advantage ; inasmuch 
as the Atlantic and the Lakes are linked too-ether. New- York 
harbour is now one of the great commercial emporiums of 
the world, and it is destined to be the greatest. Its rivers, 
canals, and railroads, connect it with Lakes Ontario and 
Erie ; and these again with the St. Lawrence on the one 
side, and throiio^h that noble river with all the British do- 
minions and the Atlantic ; and then, in the other direction, 
with Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior, and the Mississippi. 
All we have mentioned, and much more, makes it abso- 



372 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

lately certain that, as time advances, this State will grow 
into a great kingdom. The contiguous countries through 
which we have been passing, partake of the same features 
of prosperity and progress ; but we mark this one in par- 
ticular, that we may have something definite before us. 

Now, how stands the question with respect to Method- 
ism in this State ? We have already remarked on the sub- 
ject with respect to the city : what is its progress in the 
country ? We answer, that four of the conferences we 
have been examining lie principally in the State of New- 
York ; namely, Troy, Black River, Oneida, Genesee, 
and a part of Erie. In these conferences we find 9 3, 7 02 
church-members ; which, with 45,907 for New- York itself, 
gives a total of 140,609. If Ave suppose — which is a low 
estimate — that there will be four other persons, for every 
one of these, belonging to congregations, families, and 
schools, who are not members of the Church, but who are 
attached to Methodism as their religious system, then we 
shall have 562,436 persons under its influence in this one 
State. 

How long has this work been in progress ? When did 
it begin ? Philip Embury preached his first sermon in 
New- York in 1766. Captain Webb followed in a year or 
two, and in 1769 Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor 
were appointed by the British Conference. This is no very 
remote date. There must have been some life and energy 
in a Church which can present such a result in so short a 
time. 

But the nature of the power whence all this has sprung, 
is a matter of serious importance. Suspicions are enter- 
tained as to organizations of this sort. It is often imagined 
that self-interest, ambition, or enthusiasm, leads men to 
unite in these masses. In the early times of Methodism, 
as Avell as in the primitive ages of the Church, these con- 
fraternities were suspected of perpetrating, in their private 
assemblies, gross and revolting immoralities. All this has 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 373 

passed away long ago. But still the problem remains un- 
solved, — AVhat has led to this result ? 

We can entertain no doubt but that this church -organi- 
zation originated in real religious faith, convictions, and 
power. It was not in the beginning, any more than it is 
at present, produced by any mysterious gravitating in- 
stincts, leading men to unite together they know not v/hy. 
And, moreover, it never imbibed the spirit, acted upon the 
principles, or proposed the ends, of communism — in any 
form or shape. The men who formed these first societies 
did so under the teaching and influence of religion alone. 
There is something very much akin to the progress of the 
first churches of Christ, in this great development of reli- 
gious power, from so small a beginning. With some per- 
sons, the insignificance of the instruments, and the ab- 
sence of all the supposed fitness for so great a work, will 
form a difficulty. Let it be remembered, however, that 
this objection lies as much against the apostles and first 
evangelists, as against these men. But when this class of 
difficulties is felt and objections raised, they always rest 
upon the implied principle, — not seen, not understood, per- 
haps, but certainly in the mind, — that the conversion of 
men and the spread of religion is a human thing. If di- 
vine, if of God, then, for aught which can be imagined, 
Peter and Paul, — Bunyan and Baxter, — Asbury and Lee, 
— might be very fit and suitable instruments. It is not 
learning without God, — not philosophy without the Holy 
Spirit, — not a polished exterior and w^orldly distinctions 
without faith, — which can save the souls of men, or lay the 
foundation of churches. Then, if this work is begun in 
the grace and power of the Divinity, acting through the 
labours of men, it is easy to see that in innumerable cases 
the fittest instruments will be persons of plain, but pure 
and elevated, minds. 

Judging of the nature of the work to be done in Ame- 
rica, one cannot but admire the wisdom of God, in the se- 



374 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

lection of his instruments. Would delicate and fastidious 
gentlemen have gone into the American wilderness to 
preach the Gospel, — to converse in familiar phrase with 
the peasant emigrant, in order to seek his salvation ? 
Would this class have submitted to the privations of a new 
country ? have cheerfully taken their place in the log-hut, 
and been content with its fare and its lodging ? Nay, had 
this class of persons been disposed to enter the field, could 
they have done the work required ? The tone, dignity, and 
superiority produced by a high style of education and 
knowledge, are very beautiful and excellent, but rather be- 
long to society Avhen formed and polished than to its wil- 
derness state. We may safely say that they could not, if 
they would, have accomplished the work assigned to our 
pioneer evangelists. 

But let it not be supposed that the plain Christian 
preacher is incapable of great service for religion because 
he is destitute of the ability to descant on its philosophy. 
Those who make history seldom write it. Those who per- 
form noble deeds are never the men to emblazon them. 
These classes are too busy Avith their enterprise to turn 
aside to talk about its progress. Their work, the temple 
raised, is their monument. Judging by this rule, we shall 
be led to see that the workmen selected by God were fit- 
ting instruments for his purpose. 

Their very plainness, their paucity of polish, might ope- 
rate in their circumstances most beneficially. They would, 
as one consequence, be kept from theorizing, from plung- 
ing into the abstract, from soaring into the ideal. But, 
better still, they would be kept to their work, and find 
their happiness in its success. They were eminently men 
of one business, and their calling swallowed up their whole 
soul. This principle is found to succeed in other things : 
why should it not in this? Their oneness of purpose will 
account for their success, as far as instrumentality is con- 
cerned. But it will account for much more : — What led 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 375 

to this entire separation of themselves from the world, and 
devotedness to such a cause as this? Certainly, rehgioiis 
faith. They had a firm and vivid belief in the Christianity 
which they went about to establish ; they had confidence 
and certainty in their own vocation and calling ; they had 
no doubt as to the particular dispensation in which they 
were called to be workmen ; they entertained a full per- 
suasion in their inmost soul in the principle that God could 
*' raise up children to Abraham" from amongst the scat- 
tered tribes around them ; and they saw, in the promised 
perspective, that the American " wilderness and solitary 
place should he glad and blossom as the rose ;" " he glad''^ in 
the privileges, blessings, and joys of God's salvation ; and 
*' hlossom'' in all the beautiful fertility of Christian holiness 
and love. Yes, these men knew what they were doing ; 
they lived, and laboured, and suflTered, under the full and 
plenary conviction that God had sent them, and they were 
accomplishing his will. 

But this of itself is not sufficient to account for the won- 
derful moral phenomena on which we look. There must have 
been something more than man's labours, to bring about 
these results, though performed in honest simplicity, and 
under the impressions of a strong belief in the " things of 
God." We refer to the direct influence of God the Holy 
Ghost. Nothing short of his influence and eff'usions could 
possibly produce this spiritual and moral creation. The 
beginning, the original impulse, the life, must have sprung 
from this source. How could human nature, or the politi- 
cal and social movements going on in this new country, 
produce this spiritual hfe ? Its first seed must have come 
from above. This being the case, all the rest would fol- 
low. The unsightly root, which out of the soil is lifeless 
and barren, no sooner finds a congenial element therein, 
than it bursts through the incrustations in Avhich it is em- 
bedded, and, appropriating to itself the nourishing influen- 
ces of nature, soon appears a perfect tree, clothed with 



376 TOUR IN AMEKICA. — PART IV. 

foliaoe and laden with fruit. So it must have been with 
this " seed of the kingdom." How could the " word of 
the gospel," sown by these good but powerless men, have 
produced so rich a harvest, had it not been a divine seed, 
and been blessed by the fructifying rains and dews of God's 
Holy Spirit? 

We are chiefly contemplating this work in its organized 
form. But let us endeavour to understand it. We shall 
be in great error, if we imagine that the organization cre- 
ated the people. The people formed the system, and not 
the system the people. Nothing could be more simple 
than this process. The men who entered the wilderness in 
order to cultivate it took no theory, no plan, no platform. 
All they did was to preach the truth ; to deposit it in the 
soul ; and then leave it to its own development. They won 
the people to Christ, and then trusted them to his care and 
love, to be dealt with and to be employed as he chose. 
The rest followed. They obeyed the instincts of their new 
nature ; and, as in social life, sought union with each other. 
They felt the impulse of holy and divine affections ; and, 
as in the closest and most endearing friendships and rela- 
tions, they delighted to commingle with kindred hearts. 
Here is the origin, the plastic power of this fellowship, this 
brotherhood. Rules followed the life ; they did not create 
it. The whole framework and machinery of the Church 
sprang from this antecedent power and holiness. Wants 
grew up with existence, as they do in all analogous cases. 
The most complex constitutional system is only the expan- 
sion of society in a state of high civilization. This is the 
case also, if we understand the question, of the American 
Methodist Church. 

But every religious organization must cherish and keep 
the spiritual alive, or otherwise the framework will soon 
break down. The same reviving " showers of blessing " 
from above, the same effusions of the Holy Ghost, the same 
presence of Christ, the same fulness of divine love, which 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 377 

were sought and enjoyed by the first converts, must be 
constantly sought and received, or wintry barrenness must 
succeed the beauty and fertility of spring and summer. 
The walls of a palace may remain after its lord is dead. 

This is the danger of complicated, perfected organization. 
Through all nature we see, that as soon as the fruit is ripe, 
it falls ; and as soon as physical life is perfect, it begins to 
exhibit signs of decay. How different, now, at this mo- 
ment, is the political and economical state of America, as 
compared with some of the old, worn-out nations of Eu- 
rope ! — just upon this principle : the one is like a fine ath- 
letic youth, full of health, bloom, vigour, activity ; the 
other, like a decrepit old man, worn down by years, and 
equally full of miseries ; not knowing which way to turn, or 
what expedient to adopt, to keep himself alive. Something 
like this comes to be the condition of churches. Perhaps 
there is no great danger of formality, languor, or decay, at 
present in American Methodism, — of the external, parasite- 
like growths, first embracing and then crushing the spirit- 
ual ; the organization, with its complexities, superseding 
and pushing aside the \dtal and divine. But this danger 
must come. 

Everything, indeed, at present, favours the idea of pro- 
gress. The Church cannot well stand still while everything 
else is in motion. She must move on with the perpetually 
advancing tide, or be left, like a gallant ship, stranded on 
the shore. Nothing can continue stationary in the States. 
The}^ are obliged to go on. The wilderness cannot remain 
as it is ; the gloomy solitudes must be peopled ; the dark 
forests, now that the Indian no longer prowls through their 
thickets in quest of game, must give place to the civilized 
man ; and innumerable, untold, indeed, unimagined, multi- 
tudes of cities, with their teeming and busy populations, 
will, of necessity, occupy these silent and melancholy re- 
gions. The Church is obliged to advance with these ever- 
progressing multitudes. At present, the Methodist body 



378 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

most certainly truly apprehends its duties and its destiny, 
and is nobly pressing on in the career of usefulness. We 
hope — we pray — that it may never lose its spirit ; never 
sink into inertness ; never be paralyzed by its own ponder- 
ous bulk ; and never forget or forsake the principles and 
the elevated faith of its founders. 

Ill— THE OHIO LINE. 

By following another of the great hues of communica- 
tion into " the far-west," we shall meet with the same thing 
as we have done in the other routes. Pass the Alleghany 
Mountains, either from Philadelphia or Baltimore, to Pitts- 
burgh ; from thence to Cincinnati, and from the latter place 
to St. Louis ; and a distance something like from fifteen 
hundred to two thousand miles will be laid out to traverse. 
This is the journey we now propose. In all these States of 
the west, with their cities and towns constantly increasing 
in population, the Methodist Church has planted her insti- 
tutions. Besides the chief places already mentioned, which 
contain very large bodies of people belonging to our faith, 
the noble-minded servants of God have entered the wilder- 
ness where N^er man is found to have pitched his tent, and 
have introduced the ever-blessed gospel. 

It was the Avriter's good fortune to meet with many of 
the humble, but courageous and enterprising, " backwood" 
missionaries, who had spent their lives in following their 
countrymen into the forests and prairies of these distant 
regions, for the purpose of winning them to Christ. A 
finer race of men it was never his happiness to see ; ath- 
letic, robust, muscular ; of noble and independent mien, 
open countenance, lofty and expanded brow, brave and 
resolute bearing ; and withal full of fine common sense, in- 
telhgence, benevolence, and zeal. These men had, many 
of them, followed the Indians to their hunting-ground, and 
lived with them in their wigwams ; had borne with their 
childish weaknesses, and the storm of their fierce and fu- 



TERRITOKIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 379 

rious passions ; — and all for the sake of their spiritual and 
eternal good. They had, as well, accompanied the white 
race in their endless peregrinations. They had lived, more- 
over, to witness the magnificent result. Many a race of 
"squatters" they had seen become a race of freeholders, 
substantial farmers, happy and prosperous in their circum- 
stances. Many a group of log-huts, letting in wind and 
weather, they had beheld changed into beautiful villages or 
substantial towns, the residence of civilization, opulence, 
and religion. Many a league of gloomy, almost impervious 
forest they had witnessed yield to the woodman's axe, to 
the ploughman's industry ; and, in the place of this, had 
beheld rich and abundant harvests waving beneath the 
breezes of heaven. Many haggard, care-worn, afflicted, 
and anxious matrons, dragged into the wilderness by their 
lords, surrounded by a wretched, squalid, fretful family, — 
they had lived to roe rise above their difficulties, and be- 
come the centres of domestic order and peace, and cheered 
by beholding their sons and daughters pass into a happy 
and hopeful maturity. Yes, these "backwood" preachers 
have seen something of life ! They have done some work 
worth mentioning for God and for man ; and they now reap 
their reward in the fruits of their toil. 

Nothing can well exceed in importance the results of this 
success. What would these vast regions have become, had 
they been peopled by our profligate race, without the cor- 
rective power and influence of the gospel ? It is easy to 
anticipate. The people must have sunk into a state of per- 
fect barbarism, as well as unmitigated vice. To have pre- 
vented this is a great work. But the prevention of a pre- 
sent catastrophe of this kind is not the whole ; it is not half 
the case. These men have laid a foundation for the per- 
manent Christian and social progress of these new aggre- 
gations of people. They have succeeded in planting the 
ordinances of the gospel in what may be fitly considered 
the rudimental state of society. They have gone to the 



380 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

bottom ; they have begun at the beginning ; throwing 
the salt into the ver}^ fountain, they have purified the 
stream. 

I. After passing the Alleghanies, and descending into the 
valley of the Mississippi, the first conference boundary we 
enter is that of Pittsburgh, In this division we have nine 
districts ; namely, Pittsburgh, Uyiiontoivn, Clarlcsburg, Mor- 
gantown, Wheeling, Barnsville, Cambridge, Steubenville, Bea- 
ver: one hundred and eleven stations, circuits, and missions ; 
one hundred and eighty-four ministers, with two hundred 
and sixty-five local preachers ; and forty-two thousand 
three hundred and seventy-eight church -members ; three 
hundred and forty-five of these being people of colour. 

We find the following appointments : — Editor of Pitts- 
burgh "Christian Advocate," William Hunter. North- 
Western Virginia Academy, GordoJi Battell, Principal ; 
Alexander Martin, Teacher. Alleghany College, H. J. 
Clarke, President ; F. S. De Hass, Agent. 

There is also something here which is not noticed ; 
namely, a very large and spacious Book- Concern, with a 
most excellent Agent at its head ; and inasmuch as his 
name is not inserted for Pittsburgh, he, of course, belongs 
to another conference. 

The progress of religion in Pittsburgh may be imagined 
from the state of things, as described by Bishop Asbury, 
in 1809:— 

" We reached John Wrenshall's," he remarks, " in Pittsburgh, on 
Friday evening. The Rev. Mr. Steel offered, unsolicited, in the name 
of the Presbytei'ian eldership, their large, elegant house for Sunday's 
exercises. I preached at Thomas Cooper's on Saturday. 

" Sabbath, 20th. I accepted the offer made, and preached at three 
o'clock. It was an open time. Could we unite nations and lan- 
giiages, as well as spirits and tempers, we might do great things here. 
A Baptist family of the name of Plummer receives us on Tuesday. 
Young Plummer is sick, a child is sick, and the whole family feel 
awful. Who will pray with young Plummer when we are gone ? 
The young man is certainly under convictions." 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH, 381 

Here we have dates and facts. In 1809, Bishop Asbury 
had no place of worship to perform divine service in ; he 
preached in Thomas Cooper's cottage on Saturday, and the 
Presbyterian chm'ch on Sunday. He had no Methodist 
family to entertain him, it seems ; and he was invited to a 
Baptist's of the name of Plummer ; and, when he was gone, 
he knew of no one who would pray with " young Plum- 
mer," who was " certainly under convictions." How 
amazing the progress of forty years ! We now find about 
ten large Methodist churches, and a corresponding number 
of people. 

II. The Ohio Conference joins that of Pittsburgh. 
We have in this division fifteen districts ; namely, East 
Cincinnati, West Cincinnati, Dayton, JJrhana, Hillsho- 
rough, Chilicothe, Columbus, Zanesville, Marietta, Ports- 
mouth, Kanawha, Cincinnati German, Pittsburgh German, 
Indiana German, North Ohio German : one hundred and 
sixty-one stations, circuits, and missions ; two hundred and 
eight ministers, with five hundred and twenty-eight local 
preachers ; and sixty-two thousand one hundred and ninety- 
eight church-members, five hundred and fourteen of whom 
are people of colour. 

The number of special appointments for this conference 
will be found very great. We have the following : — 
Western Book Concern, Leroy Swormstedt, Agent ; West- 
ern Christian Advocate, Charles Elliott ; Christian Apolo- 
gist, William Nast ; Agent to the American Bible Society, 
William P. Strickland ; Wesleyan Female College, P. B. 
Wilbur, President ; M. P. Gaddis, Agent ; Ohio Confer- 
ence High School, Solomon Howard, Principal ; Augusta 
College, Joseph S. Tomlinson, President ; Oakland Female 
Seminary, Joseph M'D. Mathews, Principal ; Greenfield 
Seminary, James G. Blair ; Frederick Merrick and L. D. 
M'Cabe, Professors in the Ohio Western University; 
Worthington Female Seminary, Ezra M. Boring, Principal ; 



382 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

Uriah Heath, Agent ; James B, Finley, Moral and Reli- 
gious Instructor to the Ohio Penitentiary. 

The above Charles Elliott is Dr. Elliott, the author of 
** Romanism Delineated," — republished in this country. 
Dr. Elliott is an Irishman ; and is possessed of the vivacity, 
acumen, logical power, and withal hatred of popery, which 
unite to distincruish the natives of the north of Ireland. In 
liis editorial labours, as well as in his Delineation, he has 
done good service in the support of Protestantism. He is, 
besides, a perfect abolitionist. Slavery can have no favour 
in the sioht of Dr. Elliott. It is an abhorred and detested 
evil ; an unmitigated injury to the slaves themselves ; a 
crime in the slaveholder to exact this oppressive wrong; 
and, moreover, an outrage against Christianity, and a sin 
against Almighty God, in the estimation of Dr. Elliott. 
These, if I understood him aright, are the sentiments he 
entertains on this subject. He is now removed from his 
office of editor of the Western Christian Advocate, and 
placed in another very responsible literary post ;* namely, 
to write the history of the great division which has taken 
place in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and in the pro- 
secution of this task, of course, the question of slavery 
must, in some of its phases, if not in all of them, come 
before his attention. From the character of Dr. Elliott, his 
habits of research, his thorough acquaintance with his sub- 
ject, and the deep interest he feels in the points at issue ; it 
is not too much to expect a very able work on the subject. 

Dr. Tomlinson, the President of Augusta College, lo- 
cated at a place of that name in Kentucky, is equally 
adverse to slavery, — takes decided views, and does not 
hesitate to announce them. He is, also, in other respects, 
a man of talent, of energy, and of learning. Dr. Tomlinson 
appeared to great advantage in the Pittsburgh Confer- 
ence, in every question in which he took a part. 

But the establishment which will excite the most earnest 

* [Not as a separate " post :" Dr. Elliott has a regular station as a preacher.] 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 383 

curiosity, in this long list of learned institutions, is the Fe- 
male College of Cincinnati. 

It is easy to anticipate many scruples as to this institu- 
tion. To give diplomas to young ladies may excite sur- 
prise in the grave dames of this country, and cause the 
gentlemen to shrug their shoulders in consternation, ex- 
claiming, " What next ?" But really, after all, why should 
not learning and good conduct be encouraged and stimulated 
in the female sex as well as in the other ? Do they occupy 
an unimportant position in communities ? Are their sons 
and daughters less likely to become respectable, pious, and 
useful members of society for the good training, attainments, 
and honourable distinctions of their mothers ? Is a well- 
disciplined mind, a cultivated intellect, a soul inspired with 
the noble sentiments which a knowledge of truth must give, 
less likely than others to govern a household with wisdom 
and discretion ? Have not mothers much more to do with 
the formation of the character of their sons than the father ? 
and, as a consequence, much more concern in laying the 
foundations of communities in all which concerns their 
manners and morals ? Are not families the light, the salt, 
the ornament, the salvation of States ? And are not women 
all this to the family ? And, moreover, cannot the vulgarity, 
the rudeness, the asperities of the world, be moderated and 
polished by the more delicate and milder nature of the 
softer sex ? This being so, how can it be improper to adopt 
means effectually to educate the young girls as well as the 
young boys of any generation ? 

But there are other reasons for these female colleges in 
America. The disciples of the Church of Rome, in all 
these matters, exhibit more practical sense than Protestants. 
In every part of the world, they have always striven to 
obtain the education of youth. This has been, amongst 
other things, one of the most remarkable vocations of the 
Jesuits. They are now at work in every quarter of the 
globe ; and, as might be expected, with indefatigable in- 



384 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

diistry and perseverance iij the United States. Hence these 
institutions are partly framed in self-defence. The very 
intelligent principal of the college informed me, that the 
Methodist body found it absolutely necessary to establish 
these schools, in order to prevent the children of their own 
people from being alienated from them by being educated 
at either a Popish or else some other school, alien in senti- 
ment to their own Church. Moreover, he gave me to 
understand that their establishment had commended itself 
very much to the public ; it was well supported, always 
being full ; and had answered the purpose of preserving 
the children of their flocks from going astray. 

We may be pretty certain that there is something valua- 
ble and vital in this novel establishment. Of all men, the 
Americans will be found to possess a clear perception of 
what is practically important and useful. Without examina- 
tion, if it is found that these people have established some- 
thing new, it may be assumed at once that some useful 
element may be discovered somewhere, that a valuable end 
is proposed. Being free from prepossessions and preju- 
dices, as -well as free in other things, they do not scruple to 
adopt modes of action, which in this and the other old 
European societies would be laughed at. Many of their 
projects have been so treated by other people. This mat- 
ters little to the Yankee. You may laugh as long as you 
please ; but, generally speaking, he is sure of his game. 
This very institution will, undoubtedly, prove a most in- 
teresting auxiliary to the Church, and an element of great 
power for the conservation of the Protestant youth of the 
country. The " women"* are always the objects of atten- 
tion with the Popish Church ; and the Americans have no 
objection, in this affair, even to take a lesson out of their 
book. The moral force of Popery, so long exercised in the 
world, has been accomplished very much through the so- 

* See Michelet's remarkable pamphlet, entitled, " Priests, Women, and 
Families." 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 385 

cieties formed in various ways to influence, to educate, and 
then to employ, " women," for the furtherance of its ob- 
jects. With us, generally, it is sufficient to know that the 
Popish Church adopts a certain line of policy at once to 
discard it. If it is Popish, that is quite enough ; we in- 
stinctively resolve that it must be wrong, and. adopt a 
course as opposite as we can. This has been the case 
regarding female education. The Church of Rome has 
everywhere maintained an ascendency. Many of the nun- 
neries have always been set apart for educational purposes ; 
and now, the highest and the best female education which 
can be obtained is to be found in these establishments. 
We have nothing of this kind in Protestantism in this coun- 
try, or, as far as I know, elsewhere in Europe. The 
education of females is left to accident, to chance. The 
Americans have in this, as in other things, taken the initia- 
tive ; and, when we have done laughing and wondering 
at the notion of female colleges and diplomas, we shall 
imitate them. 

The sooner the better ; at any rate in spirit, in principle. 
Our opposition to Popery by declamatory harangues is just 
beating the air. The papacy is not an abstraction ; it is 
an organization of living souls ; and it will employ any 
kind of industry to train a child, to gain a proselyte, to 
attract another atom to the Church. Like the coral insect, 
they are busy in building their island in the ocean ; and, 
being constant in their labour, they consequently progress in 
every place. The priests of this sect care no more about 
the declamations of Protestants than the insect tribe — 
secure below the surface of the sea — care for the rumbling 
of the tempest on the surface. The only possible way of 
keeping out Popery is to occupy the soil. Let the world 
be filled with institutions, educational and religious, which 
shall embody and set forth truth, — the truth of the Bible, 
and truth on all other subjects ; and then the falsehoods 
of this system will find no room. 

17 



386 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

With much less of asperity, as it struck me, than is 
found amongst ourselves, the American people have a full 
perception as to the evils of Popery. Their system of 
government, however, never allows them to think of op- 
posing it by any legislative enactment. The only means 
they ever imagine or think of adopting are moral. This 
very female college, so far as it is designed to be protective, 
is a measure of this sort. It occupies the space, it fills the 
vacuum ; and in this way it bars out the Popish nunnery. 
The American Methodist Church will, no doubt, aim at 
giving as good, and, if possible, a better, education, than 
the nunnery, and beat Popery even in its own favourite 
vocation. Certainly they will entertain no doubt on the 
practicability of this, or anything else which they see to 
be desirable. There is a spirit in them to cope with any 
difficulty, and to win any prize which may be within the 
reach of man. They indulge no doubt as to the excellency 
of their system ; and, this being the case, they set them- 
selves manfully to carry its embodied truths into hving 
efficiency. Whilst we are bandying about our dogmas in 
fierce debate, and appeahng to the legislature, the American 
is doing Lis own work ; he is putting his principles into 
practical operation, by forming institutions to give them 
development, and to bring them to bear upon society. 

I remember seeing in some Romish periodical, in a letter 
from a missionary-priest, employed in — I think — Oregon, 
that they met with more obstruction from the ignorant and 
fanatical Methodists than from any other people. If I am 
not mistaken, in future years, as the struggle thickens, and 
the belligerents come face to face on this continent, the 
Methodist body will present a noble front, to obstruct the 
progress of this ambitious and intrusive Church, — more re- 
solute and potent, perhaps, than any other power, not even 
excepting the civil government. 

There is another interesting incident connected vrith the 
Methodism of Cincinnati. It is, that four of the districts 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 387 

enumerated are German. These four German districts, 
indeed, embrace much more territory than is included in 
this conference. It will be seen that they extend to Pitts- 
burgh, Indiana, and North Ohio, as well as to Cincinnati. 
The number of missions is thirty-four ; with forty-two mis- 
sionaries. Great numbers of Germans have located in these 
quarters ; and religion has spread amongst them in a most 
encouraging manner. This work began, in its present, its 
modern form, in the conversion of a learned native of Ger- 
many ; who, when he left Europe, and for some time after- 
wards, cherished skeptical notions. Being liimself savingly 
converted to God, he instantly began to recommend the 
Saviour to his countrymen ; and, from this beginning, one 
of the noblest works of religion in modern times has sprung 
up and spread its hallowing leaven. It was my happiness 
to listen to the account of these things from this minister's 
own lips ; who, in company with two or three more Ger- 
man missionaries, detailed the interesting narrative. This 
gentleman having been trained at one of the universities 
of Gennany, (as was the case with several others,) he en- 
joys the advantages of learning in connexion with piety. 
Dr. Nast sustains a literary as well as a ministerial relation 
to his countrymen, and is well able either to exhibit or 
defend the doctrines he has happily embraced. In fact, 
both these functions are well sustained by him. But the 
greatest ornament and beauty of these German Christians 
is their piety. They are eminently devout and holy men. 
It is impossible to hold intercourse with them without being 
impressed with the purity and affection of their spirit. 
They are, indeed, in happy circumstances. Religion with 
them is emphatically a new creation. They were all either 
Papists, or, what is quite as deadening to the soul, Ra- 
tionahsts. Their escape is like getting out of hell into 
heaven. They feel all this. It impresses them deeply; 
so that, in truth, religion with them is enjoyed in all its 
virgin sweetness. They are in their " first love ;" and the 



388 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

ardour and simplicity of their souls is perfectly refreshing 
to see — rather to feel. These Germans must live in the 
affections of all who come in contact with them. 

III. On the Ohio, in the State of Kentucky, below 
Cincinnati, stands the city of Louisville, which gives its 
name to a conference. The Louisville Conference 
contains five districts ; namely, Louisville, Hardingshurg, 
Smithland, HopMnsville, and Bowling -Green: fifty-four sta- 
tions, circuits, and missions ; sixty-six ministers, with one 
hundred and ninety-nine local preachers ; twenty thousand 
four hundred and seventy-two church-members, three thou- 
sand seven hundred and forty-two of whom are people of 
colom\ 

We have one extra appointment : — Funk Seminary, J. 
Randolph Finley. 

Louisville, as the name imports, was originally settled 
by the French. It is no great distance below Cincinnati, 
on the Ohio, and is a place of great commercial importance. 
It belongs to the southern Church, and slavery obtains 
through the country around. It is clear, however, that 
great religious progress has been made. Louisville was 
visited by Bishop Asbury, when in a very infantine state, 
who, in 1811, says he preached "in great affliction of 
body ; but it was a liberal season." From that period it 
has risen, as we see, to great consideration. 

IV. Kentucky is skirted, through a part of its frontier, 
by the Ohio River ; and, consequently, the conference 
bearing that name joins the Ohio Conference. The Ken- 
tucky Conference belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, South. We find eight districts ; namely, Parkers- 
hurg, Guyandotte, Maysville, Covington, Lexington, Shelhy- 
ville, Harrodshurg, Barhourville : sevcnt3^-five stations, 
circuits, and missions ; ninety-three ministers, with two 
hundred and forty local preachers ; and twenty-eight thou- 



TEREITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 389 

sand six hundred and twenty-four churcb-members ; five 
thousand one hundred and eighty-three of these are people 
of colour. 

We are now, as will be seen by the number of people 
of colour belonging to this conference, in a slave-holding 
State. The progress of the slave population is great. In 
1790, it only amounted to 11,830; and in 1840, it had 
increased to 182,258. 

We find the following appointments connected with this 
conference : — Transylvania University, H. B. Bascom, Jo- 
siali L. Kemp. This institution is located at Lexington, 
and is, for America, an old establishment ; having been 
founded in 1798. It is reported in the Repositoiy as having 
seven instructers ; six hundred and ten is given as the 
number of its alumni ; three ministers ; one hundred and 
twelve students ; and four thousand five hundred volumes 
in its library. 

V. Adjoining Kentucky, to the south-east, in the State 
of Tennessee, the Holston River is seen emptying itself, 
after a pretty long course, into the Tennessee. This river 
and district of country gives its name to a conference. The 
HoLSTON Conference contains seven districts ; namely, 
Wytheville, Abingdon, Rogersville, Knoxville, Cuniberlandy 
Athens, Askville : sixty-four stations, circuits, and missions ; 
eighty-four ministers, with three hundred and thirty -four 
local preachers ; and thirty-eight thousand three hundred 
and one church-members, three thousand nine hundred and 
fifty-seven of Avhom are people of colour. 

We find the following extra appointments : — Emory and 
Henry College, C. Collins, President; E. C. Wiley, Pro- 
fessor; Holston College, C. Fulton, President and Agent; 
Knoxville Female Institute, D. R. M' Anally ; M. Episco- 
palian, L. Patton, Editor ; Thomas Stringfield, Agent to the 
American Bible Society ; William H. Rogers, Agent to 
Sabbath-schools. 



890 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

Emory and Henry College is located at Glade-Spring, 
in Virginia, and was established in 1839. 

This division of territory lies a little out of our line. It 
does not touch the Ohio at any point ; neither does it be- 
long to the Atlantic or the Mississippi lines. The Holston 
Conference embraces some small portions of North Caro- 
lina, Georgia, and Virginia ; but it cannot be classed with 
those conferences. We place it on the Ohio line, because 
it is nearer to it than any other. It belongs to the Me- 
thodist Church, South, and is a slave-holding territory. 

Good Bishop Asbury seems to have met with some 
cross providences in these quarters, in the early history of 
Methodism. He says : — 

" We crossed Holston to Smith's Ferry, and rode thirty miles to 

Ami's, where we were entertained for our money We turned out 

our horses to graze, and they strayed off: so here we are anchored 

indeed We are now in a house in Avhich a man was killed by 

the savages ; and O, poor creatures, they are but one remove from 
savages themselves. I consider myself in danger ; but my God will 
keep me whilst thousands pray for me. My soul is humbled before 
God, waiting to see the solution of this dark providence, (the loss of 
the horses.) The man of the house is gone after some horses sup- 
posed to be stolen by Indians. I have been near fainting ; but my 
soul is revived again, and my bodily strength is somewhat recovered. 

We loaded brother Anderson's little horse with my great bags, 

and two smaller ; four saddles : with blankets and provender. We 
then set out, and walked ten miles, and our horses were brought to 
us; and those who brought them were pleased to take what we 

pleased to give. Brother A sought the Lord by fasting and 

prayer, and had a strong impression that it was not the will of God 

that I should go with that company From December 14th, 

1789, to April 20th, 1790, we compute to have travelled two thou- 
sand five hundred and seventy-eight miles. Hitherto hath the Lord 
helped. Glory, glory to our God !" — " Journal^^'' vol, ii, pp. 70, 71. 

This is itinerancy in the wilderness. The following is 
an account of one of the first conferences, if not the very 
first, in this district : — 

"Our conference (April, 1793) began at Nelson's, near Jonesbo- 
rough, in the new territory. We have only four or five families of 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 391 

Methodists here. "We had sweet peace in our conference. There 
are appearances of danger on the road to Kentucky ; but the Lord is 
with us. We have formed a company of nine men, (five of whom 

are preachers,) who are well armed and mounted If report be 

true, there is danger in journeying thi'ough the wilderness ; but I do 
not fear : we go armed. If God suffer Satan to drive the Indians on 
US; if it be his will, he Avill teach our ' hands to war, and ' our ' fingers 
to fight ' and conquer. Oui* guai'd appeared fixed and anned for the 

wilderness. We came down to E 's, and were well entertained. 

Thence we proceeded to the main branch of Holston, which, being 

swelled, we crossed in a flat ; thence to R 's, where I found the 

reports relative to the Indians were true ; they had killed the post, 
and one or two more, and taken four prisoners. I had not much 
thought or fear about them." — ^'■Journal" vol. ii, pp. 161, 162. 

Thirteen years after, in 1806, he says : — 

'• We crossed Holston at the mouth of Watanga. I lodged at 
William Nelson's, (where the above conference was held,) an ancient 
hoiise and stand for Methodists and Methodist preaching. Saturday 
the Western Conference commenced its sittings, and ended on Mon- 
day. We had great peace. There are fourteen hundred added 
within the bounds of this conference. Of the fifty -five preachers 
stationed, all were pleased. The brethren were in want, and could not 
suit themselves ; so I parted icith my watch, my coat, and my shirts — '^'^ Jour- 
nal," vol. iii, p. 206. 

These passages are given as specimens of the life of an 
American bishop in the early period of the work ; of the 
nature of wilderness itinerancy ; of the smallness of the 
commencement of this great church organization ; of the 
precautions and heroic spirit of these early missionaries ; 
and of the dangers arising from the hostility of the Indians. 

This latter feature is distressing. Poor Indians ! they 
felt the power which was pressing upon them, and took 
their revenge. They could not see their lands invaded and 
occupied by the stranger, — his villages rising, and harvests 
waving, on territory which used to furnish them with game, 
— without evincing the passionate instincts of a savage 
nature ; and sought, as we see, for every opportunity of 
aiming a deadly blow at their oppressors. The gospel 
which Bishop Asbury and his associates preached, seems not 



392 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

to have reached these poor outcasts. Whether any attempt 
was made to save them, does not appear : they were left 
in their Paganism. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that 
any eflfort, in their state of exasperation, would have proved 
successful. We must confess, however, that, in former 
times, the proselyting efforts of the Popish missionaries in 
these wild regions far exceeded the attempts of the Pro- 
testants. These self-denying men followed the Indians 
in their wanderings with untiring zeal, and sought to 
bring them over to the profession of their faith. Finer 
examples of devotedness are seldom to be found ; and in 
many instances they won the confidence and affections of 
the savage tribes. 

VI. We now come to the Indiana Conference, on the 
right bank of the Ohio, and belonging to the northern 
division of the Methodist Church. We find in connexion 
with this conference eight districts; namely, BrooJcville, 
Lawrencehurg, Madison, New- Albany, Evansville, Vincennes, 
Indianapolis, Bloomingto7i : eighty-seven stations, circuits, 
and missions ; one hundred and fourteen ministers, with 
three hundred and nine local preachers ; and thirty thou- 
sand seven hundred and forty-five church-members, of 
whom one hundred and seventy-four are people of colour. 

Vincennes, above referred to as the head of a district, is 
one of the oldest and most interesting places, — historically 
considered, — in the whole of this part of America. It was 
settled by French emigrants from Canada, near the begin- 
ning of the last century, and long remained a solitary 
village. But few settlements were made in the country 
till the commencement of the present century ; since which 
time its increase in population has been very rapid. This, 
in the whole State, is given as, in 1800, 4,875 ; in 1810, 
24,520 ; in 1820, 147,178 ; in 1830, 343,031 ; in 1840, 
685,800. Methodism, we see, has progressed with the 
general population, and constitutes, no doubt, one of its 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 393 

most potent moral elements. This continued, the State 
must become one of the most prosperous and well-ordered 
in the Union. Its situation is, in every sense, most favour- 
able for progress ; commanding the navigation of the Lakes 
on the one hand, and the Ohio on the other. 

VII. The Tennessee Conference is closely connected 
with the Holston. This ecclesiastical division of country 
comprises nine districts ; namely, Nashville, Lebanon, Cum- 
herland, Murfreeshorough, Winchester, Huntsville, Florence, 
Dover, Clarhsville : seventy-eight stations, circuits, and mis- 
sions ; one hundred and forty-seven ministers, with three hun- 
dred and seventy-eight local preachers ; and forty thousand 
one hundred and forty-eight church-members, seven thousand 
two hundred and forty-nine of whom are people of colour. 

We have the following extra appointments : — John B. 
M'Ferrin and Moses H. Henkle, Editors Nashville Chris- 
tian Advocate ; Columbia Female Institute, Jared 0. 
Church ; Tennessee Conference Female Institute, R. H. 
Rivers, B. H. Hubbard ; La Grange College, Edward 
Wadsworth ; Clarksville Female Academy, Joseph E. 
Douglass ; Philip P. Nutty, Agent for Transylvania Univer- 
sity ; William G. Gould, Agent for La Grange College ; 
Ethelbert H. Hatcher, Agent for American Bible Society. 

Tennessee, as will be seen from the number of coloured 
people belonging to the Church, is a slave-holding State. 
And we are sorry to perceive that the slave population is 
constantly increasing. In 1790, the numbers were 3,417, 
in 1840 they had swelled up to 183,059. It is hardly 
necessary to say that this conference belongs to the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, South. 

Having now travelled from the Alleghany Mountains, by 
the course of the Ohio, to the Mississippi, in the "far 
west," we shall, according to our practice, give a tabular 
view of the result of this territorial progress of the Method- 



ist Church in these regions. 



IT 



894 



TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 



Conferences. Dist. Circuits. Minist. Supernum. Local Pr. Members. 



Pittsburgh . 


. . 8 


111 


184 


12 


265 


42,378 


Ohio . . . . 


. 15 


161 


288 


13 


528 


62,188 


Louisville . 


. . 5 


54 


66 


2 


199 


20,472 


Kentucky . 


. . 8 


75 


93 


9 


240 


28,624 


Indiana . . 


. . 8 


87 


114 


8 


309 


30,745 


Holston . . 


. . 7 


64 


84 


8 


334 


38,301 


Tennessee . 


. . 9 


78 


147 


4 


378 


40,148 



60 630 876 56 2,253 262,858 

As the country which we have now traversed is new ter- 
ritory, and is a part of the Valley of the Mississippi, it may 
be proper to give some notices of its settlement, in order 
that an idea may be formed of American progress. The 
earliest settlements in Tennessee were made between the 
years 1765 and 1770; in 1790 it was placed under a 
separate territorial government, under the name of the 
"Territory South of the Ohio;" and in 1796, the inhabit- 
ants formed a constitution, and Tennessee was admitted 
into the Union as an independent State. The permanent 
settlement in Kentucky began in 1775 ; and in 1792 it was 
admitted into the Union as an independent State. The 
first settlements in Ohio were commenced at Marietta, in 
1788. In the following year the country was put under a 
territorial government, and called the "Western Terri- 
tory;" and in 1802 it was erected into an independent 
State. In 1800, Indiana was erected into a territorial 
government; and in 1816 it was admitted into the Union 
as an independent State, The mean length of Tennessee 
is said to be 400 miles, and its breadth 114, containing 45,- 
600 square miles. Kentucky is about 400 miles in length, 
and its breadth is 170 miles, containing 40,500 square 
miles. Ohio is 200 miles long, and 200 broad, containing 
40,000 square miles. The length of Indiana is 260 miles, 
and its breadth 140, containing 36,000 square miles. The 
aggregate of this territory is thus seen to contain 162,000 
square miles. 

This western country consists of the finest land in the 
United States, and, perhaps, the most productive in the 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 395 

world. It is capable of the highest possible cultivation, — 
of producing all kinds of grain and fruits, and, conse- 
quently, of feeding an indefinite number of inhabitants. Its 
population, at present, considering the length of time it has 
been occupied by a civihzed race, is very great, and must 
soon become prodigious. The influx of emigrants from 
Europe, and the older States, is constantly going on : and 
their occupancy of the country is accompanied by a clear- 
ance of the soil, the erection of new villages, towns, and 
cities, and all the appliances and means of civilized life. 
There is amazing grandeur in this process. It is like a 
creation. A world of civilized men throwing around them 
all the garniture, the ornaments, and the blandishments of 
existence. Cities beautifully laid out on their rivers are 
springing up, almost as in a day ; finely situated for com- 
mercial purposes, and, as time progresses, evidently des- 
tined to become great and interesting centres of life. New 
villages, as the wilderness is passed through, appear at 
short distances from each other, embosomed in the forest, 
and surrounded by land only partially cleared ; but suffi- 
ciently so to provide richly for the wants of the new 
comers. Railroads are made to pass along in the midst of 
both the occupied territory and the gloomy forest ; whilst 
they connect, by perfectly easy means, the people of remote 
regions, and unite their rivers and lakes as one great 
thorouofhfare. 

It is easy to see that this portion of America must ulti- 
mately, and at no remote period, become equal, if not supe- 
rior, to any part of the Union. It is, in one sense, far from 
the seacoast, and in this respect must lie under disadvan- 
tages. The means of transport, however, are perfectly easy, 
and the cost cannot be great. Such places as Pittsburgh, 
Wheeling, and especially Cincinnati, though the buildings 
are new, yet have the appearance of great manufacturing 
and commercial towns. They have the air of communities 
full of life and activity, of comfort and affluence, and of 



396 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

perfectly established business liabits. Their transactions 
cannot be less regular and orderly than those of long esta- 
blished entrei:)bts of trade. There must be master minds at 
work in every department; these things cannot be the 
growth of chance. And, from the peculiarities of the coun- 
try, and the great influx of people from Europe, we see 
the result is, that a great city springs up in a short period ; 
whereas, in old countries, many years have been necessary 
to their growth. We have no such places exactly as Pitts- 
burgh and Cincinnati, inasmuch as these cities lie on the 
banks of a river, forming an inland navigation, — and not on 
the seacoast. On this ground we cannot compare the latter 
with such a place as Liverpool, one of the most remarka- 
ble marts of commerce in the United Kingdom. But Cin- 
cinnati has progressed much more rapidly than Liverpool 
could have done at any period of its history. Less than 
fifty years ago it was a mere village, containing a few 
scattered huts, and its population only amounted to a few 
hundred souls ; whilst at present, as we have seen, it is not 
less than something like one hundred thousand' But it is 
not so much the social life of this country, as matters con- 
nected with +he Church, which most demand our attention. 
The progress of religion has been as remarkable as that of 
society in general. 

The privations and sufferings of the first pioneers of 
these deserts, in introducing the gospel, must have struck 
every one. If Bishop Asbury, the chief and leader of this 
noble band of heroic men, endured the difficulties which we 
have recorded, what must have been the condition of the 
humble missionaries, who were daily devoted to this enter- 
prise ? It is impossible to imagine the amount of mental, 
as well as physical, suffering, through which they were 
called to pass. But they have reaped a glorious reward 
in their work. Its massive grandeur stands out as the 
best monument of their wisdom and piety. Generations 
unborn — indeed, through all time — will be influenced in 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 397 

their present and eternal destinies by what they have 
achieved. 

Much more than zeal has been exhibited in building 
up this great Church. There must have been connected 
with it from the beginning men of great practical wisdom ; 
of hiofh talent in the manao-ement of business ; and also of 
enlarged Christian views as to the wants of their country- 
men, as well as devoted zeal. God must either have di- 
rectly given the pattern of this Church, as he did that of 
the old dispensation to Moses, or otherwise the men must 
have possessed great talents. The most rational solution 
will be found in the belief, that the Deity directed the 
movement by his own good Spirit ; but, at the same time, 
that the grace was developed in the high judgment as well 
as faith of the agency employed. 

The first office and duty of these early evangelists would, 
of necessity, be the preaching of the gospel ; the awaken- 
ing of the people to a sense of religion, and leading them 
to Christ; thus gathering the flock in the wilderness. 
Hence their " OamiJ " and " Revivalist " meetings. What 
could be more appropriate to the condition of a people 
living in scattered hamlets, and remote from each other ; 
having no " houses of worshipj^ and sometimes none even 
for themselves, except the log-hut ; — what, we say, could 
be more suited to their state and wants than the creation 
of the " stand,'' under the umbrageous shade of the trees 
of the forest, and having crowds of people present to seek 
their conversion to God? But these services must have 
exercised other useful influences over a people so circum- 
stanced. Isolation is found to be favourable to the growth 
of the worst passions of ovu' nature. Barbarism and bruta- 
lity connect themselves with the hfe of men and families, 
living remotely from their fellow-men. Hence, social ties, 
friendly feelings, virtuous friendships, brotherhood and 
kindness, — indeed, all the ameliorating characteristics of 
religion — must have been promoted by these assemblies 



398 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

in the wilderness. Those who can see nothing but rant and 
fanaticism in these " camp-meetings,''^ are shallow observers 
of the tendencies of human associations. For a great length 
of time, the evangelists of these western wilds could have 
no choice between the private dwelling, as a place of 
worship, and the forest. How few must have attended the 
log-hut service ! whereas, by calling the people to the 
vvorship of God under his own bright skies, making the 
wilderness his temple, they found space for the people, 
whilst their increased numbers would produce a wholesome 
excitement on the mind of the preacher, and call forth his 
utmost energies. 

There is something vastly fascinating and beautiful in 
these primitive, patriarchal modes of worshipping God. 
True, this is not religion. It is not the spirit — the essence 
— the hidden mystery — the abstract — belonging to the 
Christian system. But is there any harm in enlisting the 
sentiment, the sympathies, the poetry, in man's soul on the 
side of the spiritual ? Why has God made silence impres- 
sive, if we are not to be impressed ? Why has he put beauty 
in ten thousand forms, and hues, and tints, if we are not 
to taste the beautiful ? Why has he caused the grove, the 
forest, the wilderness, to speak in accents of awe or of joy, if 
we are not to indulge in corresponding feelings ? Why has 
he impressed the glorious sun, the blue sky, the retiring 
day, the rising morning, the dark night, with the grand and 
sublime, if we are to entertain no suitable apprehension of 
all this ? Why has he made it a law of nature that the 
winds, as they rustle through the leaves ; the sweet warb- 
ling of the birds, as they pour their carols through the 
thickets; and, in truth, all things vocal; why has God made 
it a law that all this should soothe, soften, and elevate the 
soul ; why, if we are not to listen to this mi?i?ic, and 
enjoy the concert ? It has been objected against these 
" camp-meetings,^^ that they are got up for effect. Why 
ought they not to be got up for effect, if the '^ effect'^ 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 399 

is in harmony with rehgious sentiment and feeling ? God's 
beautiful world will remain hanging out its lamps of glory, 
speaking in its divine harmony, inviting all created intelli- 
gences to behold their Author in his works, in despite of 
this prudish cant. And, moreover, human nature will 
strike in with the design ; it will gaze and admire ; it will 
listen and send forth its echoes ; it will feel the attraction 
of the divinely delicate touch of the ten thousand influences 
around, in happy sympathies : — it will do all this, despite 
of any code of crabbed and mistaken godliness, God 
lives in the temple of the universe. Christianity teaches 
no lesson the contrary of this ; it is one of its great and 
fundamental truths. Why, then, attempt to obscure or 
obliterate what is immutable, whether in nature or in man ? 

Probably, without knowing it, these forest preachers 
obeyed a law of our being, and the voice of nature herself, 
when they took their stand in the woods for the purpose 
of preaching Christ crucified. We dare say the scenery, 
the occasion, the solemnity, aided the message — why not ? 
What are forms of speech, modes of address, — tropes, figures, 
poetry, logic, — everything belonging to the preacher's or 
the orator's art, — but so many means to produce effect ? 
The essence of the greatest truth lies in the shortest and 
most simple proposition. What is amplification, illustration, 
argument, ornament, but means employed to render this 
truth impressive, — in a word, to produce effect ? 

Man is made for this. He is not a piece of cold mecha- 
nism, neither is he a mental abstraction. The affections, 
the imagination, the taste, the sympathies, — the deep -toned 
emotions of man's soul, — as much belong to the domain 
of rehgion as what are called his mental faculties and his 
conscience. In point of fact, the whole man belongs to 
this kingdom of God; — all his mind, all his nature. If, 
in the case we are considering, the truth should find its 
way to the depths of the soul through the feelings, where 
is the harm ? These avenues are much more accessible 



400 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

than anything else in man. It is infinitely more difficult to 
reach the heart through the understanding, the logic, the 
judgment of nature, than through the passions. Every 
human being comprehends the language of love, — it meets 
with an instant response. And it may be fairly questioned, 
whether any progress can be made in the spread of the 
gospel, the triumphs of the cross, and the conversion of 
men, unless, in the first place, the human rebel is disarmed 
of his enmity against God, by a direct appeal to his feel- 
ings. It is by his passions, much more than by his un- 
derstanding and his conscience, that he stands out against 
the truth. These passions are the barriers in the way of 
the admission of the gospel message. Then, where can be 
the wrong in endeavouring to melt and subdue, to produce 
an impression, to elicit the feelings, on the side of the 
man's own happiness ? It may, indeed, be granted that 
in case the matter was left here, it would be wrong, it 
would be useless. But then, if, with the impression pro- 
duced, the softening of the feelings, the emotions of the 
heart, by God's blessing on the scenery of a " camp-meet- 
ing," you declare the truth, and press it upon the under- 
standing and the conscience, then, instead of the practice 
being an evil, it must be considered a good. No doubt 
can be entertained but that this was the case with these 
forest preachers. 

Out of these first efforts, these small beginnings, these 
rude labours, the Methodist Episcopal Church, in these 
western wilds, has sprung ; and the real question for con- 
sideration is. How have the architects performed their task ? 
What sort of building have they erected? One thing 
must strike every one in surveying its territorial position, 
namely, that there is a desire and purpose that the whole 
should rest upon truth ; should be cemented by the 
means of knowledge and education ; that, in a word, the 
community should understand its own duties, and be pre- 
pared to bless the world by a course of enlightened conduct. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 401 

Hence, in agreement with this, we find their educational 
institutions growing up concurrently with church organiza- 
tions. This course of conduct not only indicates sound 
policy, but, in the circumstances of the country, it has the 
appearance of real patriotism. The number of colleges, 
academies, and schools of every kind, is, considering the 
shortness of the period in which they have existed as a 
people, quite astonishing. It is tiiie, that some of these 
may be feeble estabhshments, only in their commencement, 
and having, as yet, no great claim to distinction for learn- 
ing and scholarship. But even these circumstances are 
very encouraging. There must be a beginning to eveiy- 
thing ; and this commencement, in a career of great useful- 
ness, is not only valuable as a present provision, but it has 
also a prospective importance. It will be found, on exami- 
nation, that these collegiate institutions amount to sixteen 
in these several conferences ; and, considering the date of 
the work, and the difficulties to be encountered in a new 
country, this is very extraordinary progress. Some of 
these colleges, indeed, were not founded by the Methodist 
body, but have fallen into their hands from the want of 
patronage on the part of those who originated them ; but 
most of them have been reared by the fostering care and 
benevolence of our people themselves. 

It is evident that the Church rightly judges, that, in 
these times, it is hopeless to expect either permanency or 
advancement, otherwise than by connecting education and 
knowledge with religion. The day is certainly past for 
churches to build up their influence and power exclusively 
on the exercise of the priestly function. The instrumen- 
tality must be very different to the old craft of Rome, em- 
ployed, it is true, with great success for many ages, but now 
grown obsolete. There is too much skepticism, — philoso- 
phy, — speculation — literature, — in the world now-a-days to 
admit of anything of this kind. And even amongst classes 
who cannot, with any truth, be ranked amongst the enemies 



402 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

of the gospel, there is such a spirit of inquiry and inde- 
pendence of thought, that any attempt at imposition upon 
them is at once detected. This spirit of free inquiry may 
be an advantage or a disadvantage, just as it is improved or 
neglected by the ministers of religion, and those who are 
intent on the promotion of its interests. Let priesthoods of 
all sorts and names scowl and complain at the " spirit of the 
age," as unbelieving, instead of buckling on the harness, and 
coming forth to discharge their duties ; and then, as a con- 
sequence, the world is inevitably filled with real infidelity. 
But if this tendency for progress, philosophy, and knowledge, 
operate as it ought on the minds and habits of priesthoods ; 
if it make them studious lovers of knowledge, " apt to 
teach," and leads them to a comprehensive view of the 
glorious truth put into their hands ; then, instead of an evil, 
"free inquiry" will be a good. 

Religion is knowledge. It is the highest intellectual re- 
gion which can be reached by man. It is a libel on the 
great truths and revelations of the word of God, to repre- 
sent them as merely dealing with the heart, whilst the 
higher faculties are left untouched. The intellect is, in point 
of fact, strengthened, expanded, and elevated, infinitely 
more by the teaching of the gospel than by anything else. 
What has the Christian system, as an economy, as the king- 
dom of God, to fear from light and knowledge, when it is 
in truth the perfection of light and knowledge itself ? What 
is there to alarm any one in the investigations of philoso- 
phy and metaphysics, as they pry into the spiritual, the 
hidden, the divine ; when, at the same time, the Christian 
philosophy, the metaphysics of the Bible, reveal and exhi- 
bit these objects to its disciples as their daily common les- 
sons ? What, in the profound and sublime researches of 
science, in its application to nature, — whether in the heights 
above or the depths below ; — when, in truth, they only 
amount to a commencement, a gloss, an illustration of 
truths which the Bible has taught its disciples from the be- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 403 

ginning ? What, in studies in history, in morals, in human 
relations, in jurisprudence and law ; in principles of equity 
and right ; in the well-being of States, and in the mundane 
destinies of mankind? Has the Christian code anything to 
apprehend from all this ? Is it not rather the great store- 
house of all which is true and certain on all these points ? 
What, again, in beauties of thought, forms of truth, and 
ideas and sentiments, whether expressed in prose or po- 
etry, — didactive speech or ornate language ? Have the 
books of Scripture anything to dread from a comparison 
with any, with all, of the productions of either ancient or 
modern times ? We have said nothing about inspiration, 
prophecy, miracles, — those things which are taken gene- 
rally as the proofs of divinity. But a divine system must 
be true and immutable, independently of the external 
manifestations which make it known as such. These are 
only the outward coruscations of God ; the voice which 
the truth uses to make known its own claims, not the truth 
itself: they are, so to speak, the hand- writing upon the 
wall, — not the essence, the qualities, the glories, of the 
spiritual and invisible Being, who holds out that hand, and 
inscribes the characters. The Christian religion is God, — 
is the glorious Trinity, — is the spiritual world, — is the es- 
sence and truth of all being, — as well as a mighty and mer- 
ciful remedy for the evils of sin, and the miseries of the 
human race. It is just as possible for infidelity to blow up 
the universe by its puny malice, as it is to uproot Chris- 
tianity. Then the teachers of our religion need not fear 
anything from knowledge, from investigation, from the ad- 
vancement of science and literature. But has not religion 
much to gain as to the character of outward development ; 
if all its ministers, instead of employing the language of 
complaint, came fonvard, and, as was the wont in the best 
times of antiquity, made themselves the high-priests of 
knowledge, of light, of progress ? These, it seems, are the 
notions of the ministers and people of the Methodist Church 



404 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

in America. The establishment of their collegiate institu- 
tions indicates their desire to place their church- progress 
abreast of the advancing light of the age. 

But these efforts to establish a good and useful system 
of education must give the American Methodist Church a 
status in the country, which nothing else could possibly do. 
In despite of system and theory, human society must have 
its aristocracies ; and scholarship creates a sort of aristoc- 
racy in the United States. No people on earth, not even 
excepting the French, are better hero-worshippers than the 
Americans. Their great men are their gods. Political 
leaders, and the chiefs of war, it is true, create more ex- 
citement than any others ; but learning comes in for its 
share of public applause. It is difficult to estimate the real 
amount of intellectual culture existing in the country ; but 
the idea as to its value has undoubtedly gone forth, and is 
imiversally entertained. 

In this state of public feeling, it is impossible for any 
church to possess anything like an honourable standing in 
the country, without recognizing the necessity of scientific 
and literary instruction, and making provision for its at- 
tainment. 

Indeed, it is clear, in a nation where all the offices of 
law and the professions, all the dignities and honours of the 
State, are open to all classes, the fact that none can enter 
upon them but those who have been previously prepared, 
will, of itself, be an inducement to exertion. Hence the 
position of a church must be infinitely advanced by its 
progress in knowledge. What we see in these fine coun- 
tries, is only the beginning. But from these foundations 
must, as time progresses, grow up great establishments. 
Nothing is to be despised in which a principle of life is 
found, however feeble in its present state. Give it time, 
scope, and the means of growth, and it is certain to de- 
velop itself. This must be the case with these schools. 
They are in their infancy, but they possess vitality. The 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 406 

progress of events, the increase of population, the accumu- 
lation of wealth, will bring with them multiplied demands 
for instruction ; and these rudimental colleges must grow 
into great universities. 

On the whole, then, this western Church is a fine illus- 
tration of the power of the grace of God ; of the energizing 
character of divine truth ; and of the indefatigable zeal, 
industry, and piety of its founders. 

What is to follow, no one can tell. But it is to be hoped 
that the same mercy and power which enabled the fathers 
of the work to lay the foundations of a structure so noble, 
will continue to be manifested in carrying on the building 
through all succeeding generations. 

IV.— THE MISSISSIPPI LINE. 

We now enter upon a perfectly new route, the line of 
the Mississippi : — 

The Mississippi, " Father of Waters," is 3,300 miles in 
length ; rises from Lake Itasca, to the west of Lake Supe- 
rior, and flows south into the Gulf of Mexico. It receives 
in its course, besides innumerable smaller contributions, 
the following great rivers ; namely, on its left the Wis- 
consin, 400 miles in length ; the Illinois, 500 ; and the 
Ohio, 1,200. It receives on its right, St. Peter's, 350 
miles in length ; Iowa, 350 ; Missouri, 3,200 ; White River, 
450 ; Arkansas, 2,000 ; and Red River, 1,500. The Mis- 
sissippi, counting from the sources of the Missouri, is 4,300 
miles long. 

This is the line we have now to explore ; and to ex- 
amine the territorial extent of the Methodist Church in 
these vast regions. 

The Wisconsin Territory, which forms the most northerly 
district on the line of the Mississippi, being a new territory, 
is not in possession of a separate conference ; but the Rock 
River Conference embraces this portion of country ; and. 



406 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

no doubt, as population increases, a new organization -will 
take place. 

I. But, on the right bank of the river, parallel, in point 
of latitude, with Wisconsin, we find the Iowa Conference. 
In this division are four districts, called mission districts ; 
namely, Burlington, Bloomington, Dubuque, and Desmoines : 
forty stations, circuits, and missions ; fifty-four ministers, 
with ninety-seven local preachers ; and eight thousand four 
hundred and forty church-members. 

This is a new country, having been erected into a terri- 
torial government in 1838, and admitted as a State into the 
Union as late as 1846. In consequence, all the districts 
and stations are marked as missions. We have, strange to 
say, no Christian Advocate, and as yet no college of any 
kind, connected with this conference. This whole ter- 
ritory, more than a hundred years ago, used to be 
traversed by Jesuit missionaries from Canada. Their 
mission was then to the Indian tribes ; not, however, with- 
out political and territorial objects. The Jesuits and the 
Indians alike have disappeared, and now an Anglo-American 
population :s springing up, and Methodist missionaries are 
everywhere found. 

II. In descending the Mississippi, on the left bank, we 
find the Illinois Conference, joining that of Rock River, 
and continuing the ecclesiastical line of posts towards the 
south. In this conference we have ten districts ; namely, 
Quincy, Bloomington, Springfield, Jacksonville, Lehanon, 
Sparta, Mount Carmel, Danville, St. Louis Oerman Mis- 
sion, and Quincy German Mission : one hundred and six 
stations, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and thirty 
ministers, with four hundred and twenty-five local preachers ; 
and twenty-four thousand and ninety-eight church-members. 

We find the following extra appointments : — Conference 
Female Academy, W. D. R. Trotter, Agent ; M'Kendree 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 407 

College, Erastus Wentworth, President ; A. W. Cummings, 
Spencer Mattison, Professors ; William Goodfellow, Prin- 
cipal of Preparatory Department ; Georgetown Seminary, 
Jesse H, Moore. 

The Gennan missions in the bounds of this conference 
constitute a very important portion of its work. These 
plodding, industrious, and sober people, fall very much 
under the care of the Methodist Church ; and, by suitable 
attention and culture, become excellent, and many of them 
eminent, Christians. Numerous ministers are raised up 
belonging to their nation ; and, for piety, zeal, devotedness, 
and ability, are exceeded by no other class. 

III. Missouri, on the right bank of the Mississippi, and 
only separated from Illinois by the river, is the next con- 
ference demanding our attention. It belongs to the Me- 
thodist Episcopal Church, South. We have five districts 
in this country ; namely, St. CharleSy Columbia, Richmond, 
Weston, and Hannibal : thirty-five stations, circuits, and 
missions ; fifty-one ministers, with eighty-seven local preach- 
ers ; and ten thousand nine hundred and twenty-four 
church -members, eleven hundred and sixty-four of whom 
are people of colour. 

We find the following appointments : — Isaac Ebbert is 
President of St. Charles College ; Jeremiah F. Riggs is Agent 
for the College ; Richard Bond is Agent for the American 
Bible Society ; Nathan Scarritt is Principal of Howard 
High School. 

We are here, as the number of people of colour will indi- 
cate, in a slave State. In 1810, the number is reported as 
3,011 ; and in 1840, as 58,240. Out of these only 1,160 
are members of the Methodist Church. This cannot be 
considered as very encouraging success amongst this de- 
graded race. 

IV. St. Louis, very famous as a western first-class city. 



408 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

which is found in the State of Missouri, gives its name to 
a conference. The St. Louis Conference contains six 
districts ; namely, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Potosi, 
Springfield, Lexington, Boonville : fifty-one stations, cir- 
cuits, and missions ; fifty-nine ministers, with one hundred 
and sixty-three local preachers ; and thirteen thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-five church-members, eight hun- 
dred and ninety-five of whom are people of colour. 

As this city and locality constitute an interesting por- 
tion of the Union, and is much visited and remarked upon 
by our countrymen, it may be proper to notice, that it was 
founded in 1V64, by the French, as the name indicates, 
when they were in possession of New- Orleans, and com- 
manded the waters of the Mississippi from the south. Me- 
thodism was introduced so recently as 1821. 

Twenty-seven years ago, it seems, the Methodist Church 
had no existence in St. Louis ; we have now a conference, 
numbering 1 3,755 members in the city and neighbouring 
country. About the time in question, namely, in 1820, the 
city itself numbered 4,598 inhabitants; in 1845, they 
amomited to 34,140. It appears from this, that population 
and Methodism have been concurrently progressing, and 
probably in pretty equal proportions. 

V. The State of Arkansas, on the right bank of the 
Mississippi, gives its name to a conference belonging to 
the Methodist Church, South. This conference contains 
five districts ; namely, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Washing- 
ton, Pine Bluff, and Helena : forty-one stations, circuits, 
and missions ; forty-three ministers, with one hundred and 
forty-eight local preachers ; and nine thousand seven hun- 
dred and thirty-six church-members, seventeen hundred 
and fifty of whom are people of colour. 

Agent for the Washington Seminary, Lewis S. Marshall. 

This is new ground, Arkansas having been separated 
from the State of Missouri only in 1819, and erected into 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 409 

a territorial government. In 1836, it was admitted into 
the Union as an independent State. Its white population 
is stated to be 14,273 in 1820 ; and in 1845, to have in- 
creased to 145,000. Its slave population in 1820, con- 
sisted of 1,617 ; and in 1840, it had increased to 19,935. 

It will be seen, that the Methodist Church has rapidly 
advanced in this new country. Its work, as is evident 
from the Minutes, is chiefly missionary. Time has not 
allowed of much consolidation, or of the introduction of 
seminaries of learning. Institutions of this description 
must follow evangelization, and no doubt they will appear 
in due time. 

VI. Memphis, standing on the left bank of the Missis- 
sippi, and in the lowest point of the State of Tennessee, 
gives its name to a conference. The Memphis Confer- 
ence contains six districts ; namely, Mem^jhis, Orwnada, 
Salem, SomervUle, Jackson, Paducah : seventy-one sta- 
tions, circuits, and missions ; one hundred and one min- 
isters, with three hundred and forty-four local preachers ; 
and thirty thousand nine hundred and forty church-mem- 
bers, six thousand and sixty-eight of whom are people of 
colour. 

Jackson Female Institute, L. Lea, President ; A. W. 
Jones, Professor ; G. T. Baskerville, Agent for the Jackson 
Female Institute and Centenary Fund. 

This ecclesiastical division, in great part, lies in the upper 
or northern portion of the State of Mississippi, though its 
head is in Tennessee. Slavery, it will be seen, abounds 
here ; and it is gratifying to find upwards of six thousand 
slaves belonging to the Church. 

VII. The Mississippi State, the south-east point of 
which touches the Gulf of Mexico, is occupied by another 
division bearinor the above name. This Mississippi 
Conference contains seven districts ; namely, Clinton, 

18 



410 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

Natchez, VicTcshurg, Yazoo, Lake Washingtmi Mission, 
Sharon, Pearl River : fifty-four stations, circuits, and mis- 
sions ; seventy-three ministers, with one hundred and 
ninety-three local preachers ; and sixteen thousand five 
hundred and ninety-eight church-members, six thousand 
one hundred and eighty-three being people of colour. 

Centenary College, John C. Miller ; Joseph M'Dowell, 
Agent for Old Centenary College. 

VIII. The Louisiana Conference now demands our 
attention. We have six districts in this division ; namely. 
New- Orleans, Baton Rouge, Opelousas, Monroe, Shreve- 
port, Vidalia : fifty-three stations, circuits, and missions ; 
forty-seven ministers, with seventy-one local preachers ; and 
eight thousand two hundred and seventy-two church-mem- 
bers, three thousand seven hundred and forty -nine of whom 
are people of colour. 

D. 0. Shattuck, President of Centenary College ; Robert 
R. Read, Agent for the Centenary College. 

The above college is located at Jackson. 

This conference is important, because it includes New- 
Orleans, the great commercial mart of the Mississippi, and 
famed as the most profligate and wicked place in the Union. 
On examination, it will be found that the societies in this 
city are very small, which seems to corroborate the common 
report as to the dissipation of the place. Its inhabitants 
are, it is said, constantly changing, and consist very much 
of desperate adventurers ; and it should seem, that the 
sickliness of the place causes the people to push the pm'- 
suit of gayety and pleasure to the utmost extreme ; as if the 
uncertainty of life led them to seek as much of what they 
consider enjoyment in a short space as possible. This is 
no unusual thing. The inhabitants of Vera Cruz are simi- 
larly distinguished ; and yet it is about the most pestilential 
locality in the world. 

Races of men, it should seem, have somethinsf to do witli 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 411 

both religion and solid freedom. Wherever, on the conti- 
nent of America, we find the basis of population to be 
French, as in New- Orleans ; — or Spanish, as in Florida ; — 
we perceive in this circumstance an effectual barrier against 
the progress of the gospel, as well as an incapacity for self- 
government and liberty, as demonstrated by their departed 
power. Romanism may, indeed, perform its part in all this. 
Its policy has everywhere been to attach man to a system, 
instead of educating him to walk and act for himself. But 
systems break down ; and when this takes place, and the 
people are found helpless vassals, they are sure to be inca- 
pable of acting for themselves, and necessarily fall under 
the dominion of stronger races. 

IX. Alabama is not exactly on our hne. It lies betwixt 
the State of Mississippi on the one hand, and Georgia on 
the other ; having Florida, for a considerable extent, as its 
frontier towards the south, and yet touching the Gulf of 
Mexico by its south-west point. The conference of this name 
contains eight districts ; namely, Mobile, Gainesville, Colum- 
bus, TusTcaloosa, Talladega, Montgomery, Eufaula, and 
Summerfield : ninety-eight stations, circuits, and missions ; 
one hundred and eighteen ministers, with four himdred and 
forty-nine local preachers; and forty-four thousand six 
hundred and three church-members — fifteen thousand two 
hundred and seventy-nine being people of colour. 

Macon Female Institute, Frederick G. Ferguson. Cen- 
tenary Institute, A. H. Mitchell ; Agent, G. Garrett. 

The white population of this State, in 1810, amounted 
to 20,845 ; and in 1845, it had increased to 624,827. In 
1820, its slave population amounted to 41,8*79; and in 
1840, to 258,532. This is a fearful augmentation. It 
shows that an active and distressing internal barter in the 
flesh and blood of man must be going on within the limits 
of the States. 

We have some relief in the fact above stated, that 



412 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV 

15,279 of these poor wretches are within the pale of the 
Church. 

We have two other conferences in this southern direction, 
which must be noticed, though they he beyond our Missis- 
sippi route. 

X. The Texas Conference contains four districts; 
namely, Galveston, Rutcrsville, Austin, San Antonio : 
twenty-nine stations, circuits, and missions ; twenty-nine 
ministers, with fifty-four local preachers ; and three thou- 
sand two hundred and thirteen church-members — seven 
hundred and ninety-nine of whom are people of colour. 

XL The East Texas Conference embraces three dis- 
tricts ; namely, San Augustine, Marshall, Clarkesville : 
twenty-seven stations, circuits, and missions ; twenty-three 
ministers, with seventy local preachers ; and four thousand 
eight hundred and three church-members — six hundred 
and thirty-seven of whom are people of colour. 

XII. In 1S34, the Rocky Mountains were crossed by two 
or three missionaries, and the gospel was introduced into 
Oregon. This work has been progressing from that period 
to the present time. But as Oregon has not been formed 
into a conference, we are unable to report its exact state. 
Indeed, at the Pittsburgh Conference, I heard a mission- 
ary, who had spent several years in the country, give a 
most interesting account of the state of things, and the 
hopeful prospect of much good. He proposed the estab- 
lishment of a conference for Oregon and California;* 
though at the time the treaty for the cession of the latter 
territory to the United States had not been signed. The 
arguments of the missionary were listened to very atten- 

[* The " Oregon and California Mission Conference " has since been 
iSormed.j 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 41^ 

tively by the conference ; and good Bishop Heddmg pro- 
posed several questions as to the time it would take a 
bishop to travel to the place to constitute the conference in 
question, the route, expense, and modes of travelling, as if 
he had it in his heart to attempt the journey. This was 
fine in a man near seventy, not very agile in his structui*e, 
and not by any means in good health. 

At the above date, the mission was exclusively intended 
to benefit the heathen population. A fine establishment 
was formed near the mouth of the Columbia ; and the first 
efforts of the missionaries were crowned with promising 
success. Since that time, the territory has been divided 
between the British and the Americans ; and the latter are 
pressing to occupy the country. The portion of Oregon to 
which they have chiefly at present emigrated, was described 
as surpassingly fertile and beautiful ; and the people were 
represented as making great progress in the cultivation of 
the soil. Distant ao^es will hear and know more about 
Oregon. It will, no doubt, share in the prosperity and 
greatness of the American world ; become the area of seve- 
ral new States, and be the means of extending the influ- 
ence and power of this great nation to the seaboard of the 
Pacific ; and, as a consequence, to China, India, and Poly- 
nesia, by a direct and easy route. The consequences he in 
the future ; but that their influence must be great on the 
destinies, not only of America, but also of the world, may 
safely be predicted.* 

XIII. Indian Missions. — To the west of Iowa, Mis- 
souri, and Arkansas, is found the Indian Territory, six or 
seven hundred miles in length, and of less breadth ; where, 

* Since the above was written, the great excitement respecting the disco- 
very of gold in California, and the emigration of the people in great num- 
bers in search of the precious metal, have occurred. How singular are the 
ways of Providence ! This gold mania will attract a large population to a 
country which would otherwise only have been peopled in the usual way ; 
and though much disappointment will, no doubt, arise respecting the gold, 
the people will remain to cultivate the soil, and extend the Christian cause. 



414 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

for the present, the wrecks of numerous powerful tribes and 
nations are located. The Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South, has estabUshed itself amongst these tribes, and 
designates the ecclesiastical territory the Indian-Mission 
Conference. In this conference we have three districts ; 
namely, Kansas River, Cherokee, and Muscogee : twenty- 
six stations, circuits, and missions ; thirty-two ministers, 
with thirty-two local preachers ; and three thousand eight 
hundred and fifteen church-members : these are divided 
into ninety-seven whites, two hundred and seventy-three 
people of colour, (that is, people of the African race,) and 
three thousand four hundred and forty-five Indians. 

We find the following extra appointments : — Indian 
Manual-Labour School and Station, Thomas Johnson, 
Tyson Dines ; Asbury Manual-Labour School and Station 
among the Creeks, Thomas B. Ruble ; Fort Coffee Manual- 
Labour School, New-Hope Female School and Station, 
Jesse L. M'Alister ; M'Kendree Manual-Labour School and 
Station among the Chickasaws, Wesley Browning ; Robert- 
son-Neighbourhood School, Erastus B. Duncan. 

It is a subject of rejoicing that Christianity has found 
its way, to any extent, amongst these deeply injured races 
of the human family. Their tale of wo is one of the most 
painful on the records of time. Whilst the poor Negro 
submits with docility and comparative content to his lot of 
degradation and toil, the Red-man, in the pride of his man- 
hood, has ever spurned the yoke of oppression ; and rather 
than submit to become the white man's slave, he has 
chosen to fight for his freedom through long ages of 
unequal conflict; till now the remains of innumerable 
nations, which owned and hunted freely through the whole 
continent, are pent up in a mere nook in the farthest west. 

In the conquests and settlements of the Christian nations 
of Europe — it may be well asked, — What has the world 
gained by their Christianity ? The pagan nations of anti- 
quity invariably contrived to connect the social and politi- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 415 

cal improvement of the conquered or colonized countries, 
with the possession of their territory and dominion over the 
people. Northern Africa was colonized by the Phoenicians; 
and their political power, their system of government, their 
commercial enterprise, and their social progress, spread 
civilization amongst the natives of those countries, and they 
were, as a consequence, assimilated into the general mass 
of the Carthaginian population. The colonies established 
by the Greeks are notorious as centres of knowledge ; of 
improved institutions and laws ; of freedom and good 
government ; so that, instead of being constituted to repel, 
to alienate, to barbarize the people of the territories they 
occupied, the door was opened for their reception ; and the 
colony became the means of organized order, and the foun- 
dation of franchises securing all the blessings of the 
social state to the native population. The progress of the 
Roman power was chiefly that of conquest. But even this 
great people invariably carried the arts of civilized life to 
the abodes of the conquered savage tribes. The Roman 
empire is known to have laid the foundation of civilization 
through the whole of central Europe. What were the an- 
cient Britons at the time the country was invaded by Csesar ? 
Not one tittle in advance of the Red-men of the American 
forests, when that country was first visited by the European 
settlers. But how different the issue ! The Pagan power, 
the Roman conquerors of Britain, became its civilizers. The 
foundation of our improvements was laid by the policy and 
lessons of the legions and the cohorts of Rome. They did 
not seek to crush the native population, to possess and 
occupy their lands with a race of Italians, to the entire ex- 
clusion of the natives of the soil. True, they sought the 
complete ascendency of their political institutions ; and this, 
exciting the opposition of the Britons, brought them into 
collision with the Roman power : but the policy of the lat- 
ter was to turn the wild hordes into peaceful, prosperous, 
and happy Roman citizens. 



416 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

How perfectly different has been the conduct of pro- 
fessedly Christian nations in America and elsewhere ! The 
policy of every power which has established itself in that 
country has been the same. The English — the Dutch — 
the French — the Spaniards ; — the Puritan — the Huguenot 
— the Calvinist — the Papist; — all nations, all religions, 
have equally and uniformly acted upon the principle of 
isolation ; of establishing social and religious freedom 
exclusively for themselves; of causing law, government, 
commerce, education, religion, to radiate amongst their 
own communities ; — whilst, by ten thousand modes of in- 
trigue, fraud, oppression, cruelty, and wi'ong, the natives 
of the soil have been repelled and driven from the abodes 
of civilized man. 

Religion has been blamed, in no very measured terms, 
for its failures in preventing the injustice and wrong done to 
man in his most helpless condition. And it must be con- 
fessed, that it is not blameless in the matter ; it ought more 
strenuously to have asserted the rights of the oppressed. 
Good men in their individual capacity exerted themselves, 
in some instances, very nobly to communicate a knowledge 
of the Christian faith, and not without success. The exer- 
tions of Eliot, of Brainerd, of Penn, and others, stand out as 
fine instances of devotedness and zeal. Their successes cor- 
responded to their toils ; and had other influences and agen- 
cies corresponded with their philanthropic labours, perma- 
nent good must have been the result. But the matter of 
fact is, that the politico-social power which was simultane- 
ously at work with these feeble agencies, constantly thwarted 
and destroyed the effects of their exertions. These religious 
men were ardently seeking the instruction, the conversion, 
the Christianization, of the savage tribes ; but the political 
power was equally intent upon the aggrandizement of the 
European population, at the expense of the natives. The 
latter became the predominant force ; so that everything 
built up by the honest and laborious efforts of the mis- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH. 417 

sionaiy, was as regularly pulled down by the action of the 
political power. Two antagonistic forces were constantly 
at work side by side. The selfish one, however, as might be 
expected, was always infinitely stronger than the Christian. 
The only possible mode of averting the wrongs inflicted 
upon the Indian races would have been so to blend the 
Christian with the political power, as to make the latter in 
its spirit Christian. Had the governments, in attempting 
to establish themselves in the country, been controlled and 
guided by truly religious principles in the hands of a suffi- 
ciently influential executive, the mischief might have been 
prevented ; and at this day, instead of finding the Indians 
an outcast race, in the extremities of the Western world, 
we should now see them free, prosperous, and Christian 
citizens of the United States. Nothing is equally just, — 
nothing is truly liberal, — nothing regards the primary 
rights of mankind, — nothing establishes social relations, — 
notliing assimilates and blends into brotherhood all races, 
— nothing points to one almighty Father, — nothing brings 
men together on similar terms, and in the posture of prayer 
and Avorship : — nothing does all this but Christianity. 

The Christian name has been miserably outraged by its 
representatives ; but never on so large, so gigantic a scale 
as in America. Licentious courtiers, hard-hearted and 
selfish politicians, money-mongering commercial companies, 
chartered pickpockets, riotous adventurers and fortune- 
hunters ; — all these soon overpowered the Puritan, the Qua- 
ker, the Christian. Not, indeed, that the Pilgrim Fathers, 
except in individual instances, — as in the case of Roger 
Williams, — seem to have entertained much scruple respect- 
ing the rights of the aborigines ; and probably their creed 
prevented them taking much pains to make them Chris- 
tians. They were a gigantic race of men, full of lofty and 
noble sentiments, and had a firm belief in their own high 
destiny ; but they had little sympathy with human nature 
as such. A race of men who excluded even their fellow- 

18* 



418 TOUR IN AMEUICA. — PART IV. 

Christians from social fellowship, and drove them from their 
homes on differing in opinion with themselves, were not 
very likely to seek any close connexion with the reprobate 
heathen, 

William Penn and his Quaker followers were of a differ- 
ent spirit. This eminent person* had a just perception of 
the rights of man, in the Christian sense of the term. He 
nobly exerted himself to secure these rights to the Indians ; 
and, had he been supported by a power corresponding to 
his own just notions, at any rate, a model colony would 
have been established in Pennsylvania. But the principles 
of Penn may be said to have died with himself; and that 
on which his tender heart was so intensely fixed, the free- 
dom, the civilization, and the Christian state of the Indian 
tribes connected with his colony, was buried in his own sa- 
cred resting-place. 

The religion which alone could have saved this noble 
race must, in order to be effective, have been united in some 
way with the political power. The isolated and individual 
exertions of good men were found inadequate to the task. 
The day for great and free religious organizations and in- 
stitutions iiad not then arrived. No missionaries, except 
Popish, connected with large and influential bodies at 
home, were then in the field. The only church having the 
forms and the power of a great institution in this country, 
in the first days of American colonization, when the mis- 
chief began, was the Episcopal Church, 

Is it too much to expect a Christian nation to conduct 



* Since this was penned, Macaulay's "History" has been published, in 
which Penn is shown [doubtful] to haA^e yielded to court influence in some 
instances, which place his character in those transactions in a questionable 
point of view. This only shows that courts, in the times of Charles and 
James, were not very suitable places for Christians ; and that the religious 
principles of Penn were much safer in the wilderness, in toil, in executing pro- 
jects of usefulness, than in the keeping of Whitehall, and under the influence 
of Jesuits. We speak of Penn all along in his character of Christian and law- 
giver in America ; and certainly, in this sphere, his conduct is seen to be most 
exemplary. 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 419 

its policy on Christian principle, — upon the truths of the 
gospel ? Had this been the case, the political body which 
laid the foundation of English rule m America, would have 
acted a very different part towards these injured people. 
Would Christian truth, nay, would heathen honesty, have 
allowed the seizure of their lands ; often connected with 
the most infamous chicanery, fraud, and dishonour ? Would 
occasions of irritation and barbarous wars have been souo-ht, 
for the sole purpose of driving the sheep to the slaughter, 
and occupying the space vacated by their immolation or 
their banisliment ? Would the superior attainments of 
knowledge and the means of aggression possessed by white 
men have been employed as a snare to entrap the poor 
children of the forest into some bargain and covenant to 
their own utter ruin ? Would these noble tribes have been 
incited to hate each other, to imbrue their hands in each 
other's blood, to butcher and exterminate w^omen and chil- 
dren, and feast their voracious appetite for cruelty, — that 
the white man might profit by the decimation of these se- 
veral tribes by their slaughter of each other ? Would their 
sufficiently miserable existence have been still more distress- 
ingly embittered by the fiend-like design of poisoning the 
very springs of life by the introduction of "fire-water," 
and new diseases to thin their ranks ? Would systems of 
barter and intercourse have been established on a large and 
universal scale, the w^hole design of w^aicli was to defraud 
the Indian, and to rob him of the scanty and hard-earned 
fruits of the chase ? No ; Christianity repudiates all this. 
It utters its voice in the wilderness ; it warns of the present 
and eternal consequences of cruelty and injustice to the 
feeble, the poor, the dependent. And had the nation, 
sending out its swarms to occupy the territory of these 
tribes, instead of exerting a power to destroy, been governed 
by its doctrines, perfect justice must have been done. 
The absence of the aborigmal inhabitants from the United 
States will be a silent, — continued, — eternal memorial of 



420 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

the cruel wrongs, first of the nations which began their ex- 
pulsion, and next of the Americans who finished it. From 
their location in the west, the Indian territory, they will 
forever send across the flourishing territory, the populous 
cities, the mighty commerce and growing opulence of the 
white man's usurpations, the wail of sorrow, the cry of in- 
justice and of wrong. 

It is now time to examine what the Methodist Church 
has done for this class ; and with what degree of success. 
The work amongst them began longf before the Indians 
entered upon their present location, and has often been 
much injured by their removal. We cannot attempt a full 
account ; all we can do is to give some slight notice of 
facts. These poor outcasts, it must be remarked, have been 
drawn from every part of the United States. The whole 
continent was once occupied by them. 

The attempts of the Methodist Church amongst them 
began with the Wyandot Indians, in Upper Sandusky, in 
the State of Ohio, in 1816. The agent in this work — ^in 
spite of orders, priesthoods, canons, calls, and imposition 
of hands — was a poor freeman of colour, " born and raised 
in Powhataix county." How strange, that the name of 
the father of the Indian lady married to the English- 
man, should also be the name of the country of this 
good man !* If one could believe in the transmigra- 
tion of souls, it would be no difficult matter to imagine, 
that the soul of Pocahontas had entered this poor coloured 
man. " Having been brought to the knowledge of the 
truth as it is in Jesus, it was powerfully impressed on the 
mind" of John Steward — for that was his name — " that it 
was his duty to travel somewhere north-west, in search of 
some of the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He could 
have no rest in his spirit, until he yielded obedience to what 
he considered the call of God. John StcAvard took his 
departure from his home and kindred, and continued his 

C* The county was named after hitn.J 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 421 

course till he arrived at Pipe-Town, on the Sandusky 
River, where a tribe of the Delaware Indians dwelt. He 
delivered a discourse to them through an interpreter, and 
took his departure to Upper Sandusky. Steward related 
his experience to Mr. Walker, the sub-agent of the States 
to the Indians ; and he being finally satisfied that he was 
actuated by pure motives, both Mr. and Mrs. Walker en- 
couraged and assisted him ; and, speaking the Wyandot 
dialect, the agent became his interpreter. He delivered 
his first sermon to one old Indian woman ; his next to an 
old man, in addition to the old woman ; they " were both 
soon converted to the Christian faith." 

"In the month of November, 1816, by the faithful 
labours of Steward, assisted occasionally by some local 
preachers, before any regular missionary was appointed, a 
large society of converted natives had been formed." 
Amonof these were several influential chiefs — such as Be- 
tween-the-logs, Mononcue, Hicks, and Scuteash, with two 
of the interpreters — Pointer and Armstrong. " Between- 
the-logs was one of the chief counsellors of the nation, a 
man of vigorous intellect, who soon became an eloquent 
advocate of the Christian cause." "In the year 1819 this 
mission was taken under the superintendence of the Rev. 
James B. Finley. At a quarterly meeting in November of 
this year, about sixty of these native converts were pre- 
sent ;" the account given by themselves of their conversion 
is very interesting. Between-the-logs said truly, " This is 
the first meetino; of the kind which has been held for us ; 
and now, my dear brethren, I am happy that we, who have 
been so long enemies to one another, are come together as 
brothers ; at which our great Father is well pleased." Yes, 
this was "the first meeting of the kind ever held" for In- 
dians. How affecting ! Christians, so called, had lived in 
contact with these people for two hundred years ; but their 
lips had never, till now, been opened to declare their con- 
version to the faith of Christ. And, stranger still, no one 



422 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

amongst all the zealous and devoted missionaries of the 
Methodist Church, so far as we can perceive, had attempted 
to seek these lost souls : this honour was reserved for a 
poor man of colour ; himself, like those he visited, an out- 
cast from the great world of civilized man. Truly, God's 
ways are not as ours. If these Indian tribes are ultimately 
saved and made socially happy, let it be eternally remem- 
bered, that, so far as the Methodists are concerned in the 
matter, the work began by a poor man of colour, of Afri- 
can blood. 

In 1821, this mission is reported as still prospering, the 
Rev. James B. Finley being appointed its superintendent, 
who established a school, '* to teach the boys the art of 
agriculture, and the girls to sew, spin, and knit, and all 
the duties of the household." Having enclosed a large 
farm, Mr. Finley "laboured with his own hands, for the 
purpose of setting an example to the Indians, that they 
might habituate themselves to an agricultural life. These 
movements liad a salutary effect upon their physical and 
moral condition." 

In 1823, Bishop M'Kendree says of these Indians, — 

" But now they are building hewed log-houses, with brick chim- 
neys, cultivating their lands, and successfully adopting the various 
agricultural arts. They now manifest a relish for, and begin to en- 
joy the benefits of civilization ; and it is probable that some of tliem 
will this year raise an ample support for their families, from the pro- 
duce of these farms. There are more than two hundred of them who 
have renounced heathenism, and embraced the Christian religion, 
giving unequivocal evidence of their sincerity, of the reality of a di- 
vine change." 

What became of John Steward, the man of colour, the 
apostle of this nation ? 

" Wlien so exhausted in his physical powers as to be unable to la- 
bour for his support, his temporal wants were provided for by his 
friends ; about fifty acres of land, on which was built a cabin for his 
accommodation, being secured to him by fee-simple. Here he lived 
the remainder of his days : and on his demise, the property was in- 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 423 

herited by his brotlier. In this place, loved aud honoured by those 
who had been benefited by his evangelical labours, he lingered along 
the shores of mortality until December l7th, 1823, when he fell 
asleep in Jesus, in the thirty-seventh year of his age, and the seventh 
of his labours in the missionary field. On his death-bed he gave the 
most consoling evidence of his faith in Christ, and hope of immorta- 
lity ."—Bangs's ''History of Methodism,'" \o\. iii, pp. 246,247. 

In 1821, an attempt was made to introduce the gospel 
to the Creek Indians, located in Georgia and Alabama. 
After various disappointments, this enterprise was aban- 
doned in despair. 

In 1822, an effectual and successful mission was estab- 
lished amongst the Mohawks, in Upper Canada, at that 
time connected with the Methodist Church in the United 
States. 

The naiTative is very interesting. Many -were truly con- 
verted to God, and formed into church -fellowship. The 
Rev, William Case was one of the chief instruments ; and 
these Indians constitute a portion of the mission- church, 
now under the care of the British Conference. 

" The Cherokee mission was also commenced this year. The 
Cherokee Indians inhabited a tract of country included in the States 
of Georgia and North Carolina on the east, Alabama on the 
west, and that part of Tennessee lying south of Hiwassee and Ten- 
nessee rivers, comprising not less than ten millions of acres. These 
natives had been partially civilized ; some of them had become 
wealthy, possessing domestic cattle in abundance, and v,^ere thriving 
agriculturists. White people had settled among them, intermarriages 
had taken place, so that there were many half-breeds of respectable 
standing and character, who could speak both the English and Che- 
rokee languages; and many of the children were well educated. 
And had they been left undisturbed in their possessions, they doubt- 
less would have arisen into a wealthy, intelligent, religious, and re- 
spectable community." — Bangs's " History of Methodism,''^ vol. iii, pp. 
206, 207. 

1823. " A mission was commenced this year among the 
Pottawatamy Indians, a small tribe settled in the neiglibour- 
hood of Fort Clark, on the Fox River, in the State of Illi- 



424 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

nois." After the " hard labours" of seven years, Mr. Walker, 
the missionary, was obliged to abandon this enterprise as 
hopeless. " Their strong attachments to savage life, and 
incurable suspicions of white men, together with their final 
determination to remove west, frustrated the benevolent at- 
tempts to introduce the gospel and the arts of civilized life 
among them." — Bangs's " History of Methodism,'' vol. iii, 
p. 223. 

This year Mr. Finley, in company with some of the con- 
verted chiefs and an interpreter, set off on a visit to the 
Chippeways. They at length arrived at the Wyandot re- 
servation, on the Huron River, where they were cordially 
received and entertained by a white man, called Honnes, 
who had been taken prisoner when a lad. He was now 
supposed to be one hundred years of age ; could remember 
nothing of his parentage, or of his days previous to his cap- 
tivity, only that he was called Honnes. He was now a 
cripple, and nearly blind ; but very intelligent and commu- 
nicative. 

In 1825, a work of grace commenced among the Missis- 
sauga Indians, of Upper Canada. Peter Jones, "feeling, 
after his con\ ersion, for the salvation of his wretched tribe, 
hastened away to them, and told them what great things 
God had done for his soul. This had a powerful effect upon 
their minds, and led them to attend the meetings on the 
Grand River." This mission has prospered to this time, 
and is now under the care of the British Conference. 

A similar work commenced among a branch of the Dela- 
wares and Chippeways, who were settled at Money town, 
on the river Thames. 

In 1827, a new mission was begun among another branch 
of the Mississaugas, residing on Snake and Yellow-Head 
Islands, in Lake Simcoe, Upper Canada. This arose from 
some of the people hearing a sermon from one of the 
preachers, — then desiring a missionary, — then the estab- 
lishment of a Sunday-school ; — and in two years there were 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 425 

four hundred and twenty-nine under religious instruction ; 
three hundred and fifty of Avhom were " orderly members 
of the Church." — Bangs's ^'History of Methodism^'' vol. iii, 
p. 350. 

The Oneida mission commenced in 1829. This tribe of 
Indians were settled on an Indian reservation, in the western 
part of the State of New- York : they were partially civil- 
ized, and were cultivators of the soil ; but were deeply de- 
based by immoral habits. In this state they were visited 
by a young man from the Mohawks in Upper Canada. He 
had been converted among that tribe of Indians, and "was 
impelled, by his thirst for the salvation of others, to make 
known unto them the way of peace and salvation." Be- 
ing able to speak to them in their own language, and 
from his own experience, they received the tidings in peni- 
tent hearts ; and a work of reformation commenced among 
them, which eventuated in the conversion of upwards of 
one hundred. This good work has steadily gone on. The 
Onondagas, a neighbouring tribe, by the example and teach- 
ing of these new converts, "received the gospel, and twenty- 
four of them were converted to God, and brought into 
church-fellowship." 

A mission to the Shawnee and Kanzas Indians, inhabit- 
ing the western part of the State of Missouri, was under- 
taken in 1830, 

In the year 1831, the American Church gave up their 
Indian Missions in Canada to the British Conference ; and 
our historian makes the following reflections upon the 
subject : — 

" From the movements already alluded to in Upper Canada, the 
Indian missions in that province, including no less than ten stations, 
and one thousand eight hundred and fifty adult Indians under reli- 
gious instruction, most of whom were rdembers of the Church, were 
taken from our superintendence, and put under the care of the Wes- 
Icyan Conference in England. These missions, which had become 
endeared to us by such associations as could not be easily dissolved, 
and for the benefit of which we had expended so much labour and 



426 TOUR IN AMERICA.— PART IV. 

money, still clung to our affections ; and could not therefore be sur- 
rendered, even in the amicable manner in which the arrangement for 
theii- future supply was made, without feelings of regret. Knowing, 
however, that they would be provided for by our brethren in Eng- 
land Avith the same assiduous care with which they had been from the 
beginning, we withdrew our pastoral oversight with the less sorrow, 
still praying Almighty God to bless and prosper them." — Bangs's 
'■'■History of Methodism^'' vol. iv, pp. 60, 61. 

We now enter a new and a very different scene. About 
this time the United States government consummated the 
injuries of centuries ; and by various means drove tlie In- 
dian nations, from their several locations in the heart of the 
country, to the western territory beyond the Mississippi, 
where we have found them under the designation of the 
" Indian-Mission Conference." 

As might be expected, this dissolution of old associations 
and attachments produced great convulsions amongst them. 
The Indian possesses the same instincts and passions as 
other men. Though former oppressions, which had les- 
sened the extent of the territory of the several tribes, miglit 
leave them little to esteem and love ; yet we all know how 
a last shred, figment, shadow, of departed possession and 
enjoyment, is prized by those who feel that they are losing 
their hold of the beloved object forever. 

The slander against these people, of incapacity for civiU- 
zation, stands refuted by facts, as their general charac- 
ter repels the equally unfounded slanders against their 
manhood. They, on the contrary, evidently possess all the 
elements of a noble race. Their resolute resistance to the 
encroachments of the whites ; their repugnance to their 
manners and customs ; their fierce and heroic defence of 
their soil ; their love of the chase, and of forest life ; their 
struggles to prevent the dissolution of their clanships, and 
tiny nationalities ; their repudiation of all effeminate emo- 
tions, and systematic culture of fortitude, courage, and 
manly exercises ; and, as the case stood for ages and ages, 
their hostility to the Christian Church ; — are facts to be 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OP THE M. E. CHURCH, 427 

resolved into a peculiar strength and greatness of charac- 
ter, rather than of incapacity. How unhke the negro and 
the Hindoo is the red man of the American forests ! He 
much more resembles the noble, the dauntless, the inde- 
pendent Arab, as he spreads his tent in wildernesses never 
subdued ; and, mounting his steed, bids defiance to all pur- 
suers. Why should the American Indians be refused the 
meed of admiration for qualities which in other cases call it 
forth ? They have eternally refused to submit to the domi- 
nation of their invaders. Is this a proof of weakness? 
Rather, does it not indicate prodigious moral strength ? 
They have defended their territories by disputing every inch 
of ground with the white man, and, when beaten, have re- 
fused quarter, challenging the infliction of the most cruel 
tortures, and meeting death with the fortitude of the great- 
est heroes ? Is this evidence of a mean, a dastardly, and a 
decrepit nature ? Is it not much more in proof of real no- 
bility ? Had these tribes lived in the days of chivalry, they 
would have been found amongst the most renowned knights. 
These Indians, moreover, were lovers of freedom. It might 
be wild, — the freedom which delighted to snuff the winds 
of the desert, instead of that which rests in a finely poised 
balance of political power ; but there it existed, deeply 
seated in the soul ; — in all its resentments, its frenzy of 
passion, its repulsive force, its fixed, undying resolution. 
Is this love of liberty a weakness ? Will this be said in the 
midst of the struggles of modern times ? They were gene- 
rous and frank when treated with confidence and justice, as 
the cases of Roger Williams, — William Penn, — Smith, — 
the efi:ects of the marriage of Pocahontas, — the affection 
and gratitude manifested to many of the Roman Catholic 
missionaries, — will all evince. Is this deemed a sign of a 
feeble character ? Is it not invariably taken as evidence of a 
magnanimous soul ? When confided in on honourable terms, 
even by the European nations around them, they were 
found capable of observing treaties, of taking their share in 



428 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

the operations of war, of fighting in connexion with tlie more 
disciphned troops of their allies, and uniformly conducted 
themselves with truth and bravery. To help themselves 
against a rival foe, all the colonial powers often sought 
their assistance and co-operation. Does this, again, seem 
as if they were deficient in intellectual and manly qualities ? 
Does it not indicate, on the contrary, that, even in the opin- 
ion of these detractors, they possessed useful powers in the 
matter of war ? Yes : these Indians are, in truth, amongst 
the noblest race of untutored men on whom the sun ever 
shone. 

We are astonished at the lateness of the attempt made 
by the Methodist body, to bring these children of the 
forest into the fold of Christ. There is no evidence from 
his Journal, that Bishop Asbury, the apostle of Methodism, 
entertained the idea of extending the kingdom of God 
amongst this people. His benevolent ;ind active mind em- 
braced the whole population of the United States, with 
this exception. It seems to have been taken for granted, 
on all hands, that they were incapable of Christianity, till 
the delusion was dissipated by the labours of John Steward, 
the poor man of colour. The labours of faithful men, in- 
deed, might not have succeeded in retaining them in their 
primeval homes, securing their rights to the soil on which 
they lived, or giving them a place in the citizenship of the 
United States ; and, as the matter stood at the time, it is 
easy to see, that the remedy, supposing it to be successful, 
came too late to secure these blessings. Ages of oppres- 
sion and wronsf had thinned the ranks of all the Indian na- 
tions ; they were only the shreds and skeletons of foimer 
strength and power ; they had been himted, like wild beasts, 
into nooks and corners, and seemed only to exist by suffer- 
ance ; they were writhing under the scourges and miseries 
of centuries ; and the traditional sufferings and wrongs of 
past generations, handed down to them by the maledic- 
tions and sworn revenge of their ancestors, leaving them 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 429 

tlie legacy of their cruel oppressions, tended to feed and 
infuriate their passions. Yes, it was too late. The blow 
had been struck, the deed was done, the murderous wound 
inflicted. All of life which remained, at the time, was the 
mere death-struggles of a giant; cursing, in bitter scorn, 
the power which had inflicted the blow. This giant has 
noAv trailed his remnant of existence to the extremity of 
the west. The song of love is no longer heard amid the 
rippling streams and forests of their primeval fatherland ; 
the lute, the drum, the dance of the red man, now never 
gladdens the wigwam village, or echoes through the thickets, 
rendered joyous by the frolics of boyhood and the excite- 
ments of the chase ; the incense of religious rites to avert 
the invasions of the genii of evil, or to propitiate the "Great 
Spirit," ceases to rise in the midst of the groves and bowers 
of their "high places;" the war-whoop will never more be 
borne by the breeze, or heard in frightful notes to disturb 
the repose and rouse the apprehensions of the wives and 
children of the white man. The morning breaks, the sun 
shines brightly, nature appears in all her gorgeousness, 
fragrant flowers give their sweetness to the winds ; birds 
and animals play and sing gayly ; the day declines, the 
dews fall, and all things are hushed in soft slumbers, — 
never, no, never to be broken again by the joys or sorrows 
of the poor Indian. Let a stranger be permitted to chant 
his funeral dirge. 

Never was conquest so complete as that gained over 
these races. The Norman lords of this island cut down 
the heads of the nation ; but they left the meaner kinds 
of life to vegetate. The northern barbarians subdued Italy 
and Em-ope ; but they allowed the people to remain on the 
soil, to outlive the oppression, and assert the rights of hu- 
manity. The ruthless Turks conquered the Greek empire ; 
but even they have not succeeded in cutting off" the race, 
or expelHng them the country. England has subdued In- 
dia ; but the notion of deporting the inhabitants has never 



430 TOUR IN AMERICA. — PART IV. 

formed part of her policy. America is alone in this. Her 
work is perfect. She occupies the largest territorial pos- 
sessions of any civilized power in the world ; and it is all 
cleared of the nations once inhabiting the soil. Her occu- 
pancy is now undisputed. One people, — one power, — one 
system, — one government, — now pervades the mighty 
spaces once filled with innumerable races. The Roman 
empire never possessed the unity, the homogeneity, the 
strength of the American Republic. 

We hope this gigantic mistress of so splendid an empire 
will not, in future, think it essential to her interest or glory 
to molest the Indians in the "far west." Surely they may 
now be left alone to live, — if it may please God, — and if 
they do not become extinct by natural causes. It would, 
moreover, be a mercy, if Christianity might now be permit- 
ted to have fair play amongst them, and let it be seen if 
they are an exception to the general rule, and cannot pos- 
sibly be saved. Every well-wisher to the race will look 
with deep interest towards this Indian territory ; and if, 
after all the miseries of the past, it should turn out that a 
happy and Christian community is the result of this ar- 
rangement, he will rejoice in the goodness of God, whatever 
he may think of the policy which led to the settlement. 

We now give the statistical results of this section of the 
work, in a tabular view : — 



Conferences. Dist. 


Circuits. 


Minist. 


Supernum. 


Local Pr. 


Members. 


Iowa 4 


40 


54 


2 


97 


8,440 


Illinois .... 10 


106 


130 


54 


425 


24,458 


Missouri .... 5 


35 


51 




87 


10,924 


St. Louis .... 6 


51 


51 


5 


163 


13.755 


Arkansas ... 5 


41 


43 


3 


148 


9,730 


Memphis. ... 6 


71 


101 


4 


344 


30,940 


Mississippi . . 7 


54 


73 


5 


195 


16,598 


Louisiana ... 6 


53 


47 


2 


71 


8,279 


Texas 4 


29 


29 


2 


54 


3,213 


Indian Mission 3 


26 


32 


1 


32 


3.815 



56 506 511 98 1,616 130,052 

The whole statistical result of our survey of tlie territorial 



TERRITORIAL PROGRESS OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 431 

progress of the American Methodist Episcopal Church will 
be as follows : — 

Conf. Dist. Circuits. Minist. Local Pr. Members. 

Atlantic Line ... 13 72 1,300 1,687 1,611 405,541 
Hudson and Lake 

Line 10 72 1,065 1,343 1,984 210,790 

Ohio Line 7 60 630 876 2,253 262,858 

Mississippi Line .. 10 56 506 511 1,616 130,052 



40 260 3,501 4,417 7,464 1,009,241 

We have not noticed the supernumeraries in the above 
table, because not employed in full work. They, however, 
amount to 423. 

We leave this sketch of the territorial progress of Me- 
thodism in the States to the reader's own reflections ; with 
the single remark, that, in the author's own opinion, it is 
unexampled, — that it is the greatest development of reli- 
gious truth which has taken place in the history of Chris- 
tianity, either in ancient or modern times. 



NOTE TO PAGE 338. 

* [It is hardly necessary for us to say to American 
readers that the " Christian Advocate and Journal " is not 
"devoted to partisan warfare," and never has been. If 
Dr. Dixon had read this paper during the time that elapsed 
between his visit to America and the publication of his 
book, he would have found that his "pitting" of Dr. 
Peck against Dr. Lee was a pure piece of fancy, never 
destined to be realized. The Christian Advocate has 
abstained not merely from partisan warfare, but even, to 
a great extent, from defending the Church against South- 
ern attacks; — a course which its Editor has taken, we 
judge, under the just belief that the religious welfare of 
the Church must be perilled by perpetual controversy, 
and under the belief, equally well founded, we think, that 
defences have not been needed against the species of 
warfare that has been waged against the Church in some 
quarters. The paper has preserved a very dignified and 
Christian course — one, we think, which has met with the 
general approbation of its thirty-five thousand sub- 
scribers.] 



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